Aren't art pieces too expensive?

Question

I read somewhere that the expensive price tags are due to the previous owners of the paintings, who are (or mostly were) famous people.

What I don't understand is this: Aren't most artworks too overrated? The Mona Lisa for example. I've never seen it up close, but never once in my life have I ever thought, "Hm, pretty," when I look at it. Personally, Da Vinci's folios are more interesting to me. They're a lot more creative and beautiful.

Don't the people who buy these types of artwork feel ripped off for their money? Or are they just status symbols?

P.S. Also, IMO, most of Picasso's works are more pleasant to the eye than Da Vinci's. And my personal favourite painting of all time is Van Gogh's The Starry Night.

Answer 1

The same rules that apply to any collectable apply here and it's not always the quality that determines it's value. Like old worn out baseball cards of even well known players will go up in value if only a few of them are still around.
As for the Mona Lisa, what a lot of people fail to notice is the lack of any sharp or solid lines and the painting itself appears slightly blurry and therefore more realistic. A technique not widely use by other artist of his time. It is also know that Da Vinci carried the Mona Lisa every where he went and that he worked on it up till shortly before his death, add to that, the fact that people today still debate as to who she really was and you've got all the makings of what has become a priceless work of art.

Answer 2

They're worth whatever someone is willing to pay for them. Some are famous because they're famous. Go figure why, maybe you can explain Paris Hilton then, also.

There's a lot of other work that's available also for much less than that of the old masters. Check your local yellow pages for "art galleries" to find some.

Answer 3

If its just supposed to be eye candy, its a picture, not art.

The value of an art piece lies in its history, expression by the artist and its relevancy to the subject matter.

Answer 4

I find the mona lisa ridiculously over valued artistically. I just barely like it I and just dont get it.

Answer 5

well art piece is expensive becoz of work of great artist and their name and fame as well as their hard work. to finish one painting take more than 1 or 2 month. so Artist painting is most expensive depending on their hard work and creativity.

Answer 6

now and again, everybody is in touch especially products, like artwork artwork for no particular reason, different that the like it. artwork can be a very good interest for some, particular sorts of artwork etc. in case you had the money and also you spotted something you extremely loved, wouldnt you purchase it?

Answer 7

no, my son brings it home from school