Fine Arts and Oil Paintings

February 2, 2011

We have a limitation under our policy for "loss to art glass windows and other works of art such as, but not limited to, statuary

(including but not limited to Hummels), marbles, bronzes, porcelains, rare glass and bric a brac.

 The question often arises does someone's wall art – if oil or water color – come into this category? What defines it being a "work of art" rather than a decoration for your home? I don't consider the oil paintings on canvas I have to be works of art. Does a monetary criterion define it?

 Florida Subscriber

What separates a fine art from a print bought at a frame shop or craft store is rarity, historic value, and artistic merit. Something painted by Rembrandt has all of those characteristics; something I painted may be rare (I don't paint) but it surely doesn't have any historic or artistic merit. Generally fine arts are considered to be produced by well known, recognized artists. However your policy includes Hummels (something we consider a collectible more than a fine art) and bric a brac and other items, so oils or watercolors could be included since the policy language leaves the category open, and includes items that aren't fine arts.