My name is Charles Mathes.  Visibles, Inc. is my company.  My specialties are Picasso ceramics, Modern Tapestries and 20th century prints and paintings.  As a long-time member of the Appraisers Association of America, I perform certified appraisals  on a flat fee basis.  Many people, however, don’t need a complicated formal written appraisal document.  They simply want to be able to talk to an objective person who can research artwork and prices and advise them about something they wish to buy or sell.  This is the kind of consulting that I do most often.

Having directed a Madison Avenue art gallery for over twenty years I’m very aware of how difficult the business of art has become.  I’ve worked with billionaires decorating yachts and with young people furnishing their first apartments.  I’ve found that we all have a few things in common. First, nobody wants to be taken advantage of.  Second, we often don’t really understand what we need and how to go about getting it.  And finally, whether we’re aware of it or not, everybody needs a little help. I try to provide my clients with honest, informed opinions, which is often the kind of help they need. I think that nobody is a bigger expert in what a person should want or buy or spend than that person himself.  Or herself.  The art world is set up to be intimidating because, as a business, that’s the way people can make the most money.  As an art advisor my objective is to demystify the process of purchasing and selling art and give my clients the knowledge and insight to make the best decisions for themselves. Sometimes a simple phone call or an email can save you thousands of dollars.  I’ll be happy to speak with you about your particular needs and situation.