JulietJFallAug 15, 2023
I have inherited an extraordinary archive of sketches, drawings, watercolours, & oils by my great-grandfather Albert Proetel (born Prötel, in 🇩🇪). He moved around Europe painting & married in Switzerland, setting up a studio in Lausanne. Never famous, probably suffered economically from being German in🇨🇭. His art has always been around on family walls. What on should I do other than just enjoy it? Some is framed, most in large folders. #art #artsuisse #kunst #lausanne #sierre #vaud #albertproetel
Show threadWillmot20
@JulietJFall This can be a very complex issue. I would first say, enjoy what you can. You could get them professionally scanned (Much higher resolution), legally retain the rights over their broadcast and distribution, get a valuation from a good and competent Art dealer? but fundamentally enjoy and take pride in them.
Aug 15, 2023 at 9:20amWeb
Show threadJulietJFallAug 15, 2023
@willmotdavid Wise words, thank you! Valuation is a bit pointless, I suspect, since so much depends on fashion. Although he lived from his art, he never became collectible / fashionable up to now. Some traces online that might be the same person (such as: https://swisspostermuseum.com/en/shop/view_product/Covatannaz-Georges-de--Yverdon-Ste-Croix-211541)
Proetel Albert - Chemin de Fer

Show threadAlexanderMarsAug 15, 2023
@JulietJFall @willmotdavid notoriety in the art world is largely manufactured, but I think you’re right about not pursuing valuation at the moment. That said, it wouldn’t hurt to put in a little time to promote his works, high quality professional scanning will be expensive, but setting up a gallery site and pixelfed to share them would be trivial. Sharing the work might go a long way to growing a demand that previously didn’t exist. Art needs to be seen.