The best reason to invest in a painting is of course the joy and enrichment it brings to your life. Many pieces in our collection have been cherished by families for generations, becoming not just valuable assets but beloved heirlooms. Owners of Old Master paintings are really custodians. Owning one isn’t just about its monetary value; it’s about preserving a treasure that can be passed down to future generations, becoming part of your family’s legacy.  

In recent years, the Old Master market has shown certain trends. After experiencing a surge in the 1990s and early 2000s, the market has become more cyclical. Yet high-profile sales, like the $450.3 million Salvator Mundi attributed to Leonardo, or Botticelli’s Madonna of the Magnificat fetching $48.5 million, show that Old Masters can still command attention—provided they have a compelling story and a recognisable name.

Today, there are incredible opportunities to acquire masterpieces at prices that, in real terms, are often lower than what buyers paid 20 or 30 years ago. This means you can find exceptional value in timeless works that have stood the test of time—paintings that have been admired and passed down for 400–500 years.  

Unlike modern art, where new works are continually created and trends can be fleeting, Old Masters offer stability. Modern art is often subject to fads, with certain pieces or artists quickly rising in popularity only to lose value just as fast. In contrast, the Old Master market is much less volatile. While it may have its cycles, it’s a far more stable store of value. They’re simply not making any more of them. These works of art will not significantly depreciate and will always be of value.  

With Old Masters, there’s an opportunity to embrace the philosophy of “slow art.” Much like the Slow Food movement, which champions taking time to savour meals, Slow Art encourages viewers to linger and connect deeply with the work. As Hisham Matar wrote in A Month in Siena, “A painting requires time.” In a world of fleeting trends, Old Masters could offer a counterpoint: timeless beauty and meaning for those willing to look.  

The religious and mythological themes of Old Masters, intrigue over attributions, and the effort required to truly appreciate them can feel out of step with our fast-paced, Instagram-driven world, but an Old Master painting offers more than just financial investment; it’s a timeless treasure, a piece of history, and a meaningful addition to your life. It’s an asset you can admire every day while preserving its value for future generations.

The painting featured above is our Salvator Mundi – view here.