In 2024, the antique market in Italy has highlighted several key trends that have influenced its performance:
Growth of the antique market in Italy
The second hand sector has recorded a significant growth, with millions of items sold and a remarkable increase compared to previous years.
This phenomenon has been driven by the growing environmental awareness and the interest in the uniqueness of capi vintage.
The online platforms and specialized physical stores have contributed to this boom, surpassing 63,000 tons of items sold.
Success of the Antiquarian Fairs in Italy
Events like the Biennale Internazionale dell’Antiquariato di Firenze (BIAF) have confirmed the public’s interest in antiques.
The 33rd edition of the BIAF recorded over 28,000 visitors, with numerous sales that testify to the vitality of the sector.
Rediscovery of Early 20th Century Artists in the bull Market of Antiquities
There has been a slow rediscovery of early 20th-century Italian artists, such as Filippo de Pisis, whose works have been exhibited in important artistic events, arousing the interest of collectors and enthusiasts.
In 2024, the antique market in Italy showed a growing attention for early 20th-century artists, particularly those Italian ones who, for various reasons, had long been overlooked by collectors and auction houses.
Who are the re-evaluated artists in Italy
Among the most sought-after names we find:
- Filippo de Pisis (1896-1956): a versatile artist known for his poetic painting and delicate landscapes, has seen an increase in interest with dedicated exhibitions in the main Italian galleries.
- Arturo Martini (1889-1947): innovative sculptor, whose works are attracting the attention of collectors thanks to their fusion of classicism and modernity.
- Carlo Carrà (1881-1966): although known for his role in Futurism and Metaphysical Painting, some of his less famous works, related to landscapes and still lifes, have sparked renewed interest.
- Gino Severini (1883-1966): master of Futurism and Cubism, whose works from the post-war period have been re-evaluated in the antique market.
Why this rediscovery?
- Growing interest in the Italian Novecento: the public is rediscovering artists who are less mainstream compared to the big names of the 19th century or contemporary art, seeking works with a strong historical and cultural value.
- Exhibitions and critical studies: exhibitions like the one on Filippo de Pisis have brought to light his importance, prompting the market to reassess his work.
- Safe investment: many collectors see the purchase of early 20th-century works as a more stable investment opportunity compared to the contemporary art market.
- International demand: the growing interest of foreign collectors, particularly American and Asian, for early 20th-century Italian art has stimulated new sales and value increases.
Where are the signals of this trend seen?
- Successful auctions: auction houses like Cambi and Finarte have recorded excellent results for works by these artists.
- Museum and gallery exhibitions: events in Rome, Milan, and Florence have contributed to the rediscovery of historical figures of Italian art.
- Rising prices: the quotations of some works have increased by 15-20% compared to previous years.
This trend indicates a return to interest in the history of Italian art, with particular attention to those periods and artists still undervalued in the international market.
Stability of Sales of High-Quality Works
Despite a general slowdown in the art market, works of great quality, both ancient and modern, have continued to sell well.
The ones to suffer the most were the mid-range works, while the high-level pieces maintained their appeal among collectors.
Importance of In-Person Purchases
Despite the growth of online sales, 84% of art and antiques transactions in 2023 occurred in person, highlighting the importance of in-person purchases for collectors.
The paintings were the most popular, representing 58% of the total expenditure of collectors, followed by works on paper (13%) and sculptures (8%).
In summary, 2024 saw a dynamic Italian antique market, with a growing attention to vintage, the success of trade events, the rediscovery of historical artists, and a preference for in-person transactions, especially for high-quality works.
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.
