I would say that you need to decide if you are buying it as an investment or as a piece of art you love, or both. Most art we buy does not appreciate in value all that much unless you are a serious collector buying pieces by well-regarded artists or if you are one of those who has an eye for artists who have real talent. I have two pieces that will probably be worth much more than what I paid, but the rest will most likely only retain their value. Most art loses value because, although the artist may have some talent, it is not museum quality art.

If you love the piece and the repair won't bother you every time you look at it, then I would pay full price. If not, then request that the artist be paid what would have been his original commission and the dealer take the reduction or take the refund.

I am sorry this happened to you. Things like this are so disappointing.

Thanks. The repair at the original price doesn't bother me. I was asking this more because I was wondering if maybe it should...

It was really disappointing. I love the piece and was so excited about it. It was heartbreaking to open it up and see the damage.

Yes, I was thinking it but forgot to type it.. I am so sorry this happened to you. I can just imagine your disappointment and horror when you opened the package.

The artist did additional work to repair, if you get a discount the gallery may give the artist less, it doesn't seem fair for the artist to get less money for more work.

I don't think it would be diminished in the slightest by having the actual artist repair it. Take it and enjoy it!

I think the artist and the gallery have done everything in their power to make the piece whole. I would take it at full price or reject it, but I would not ask for a discount at this point.

I would only ask for a discount if you truly have information suggesting it impacts the resale value,and resale value was a factor in your purchase. I agree that only a very small percentage of art would have a resale value in practice.

Since you love the piece and you're not buying it as an investment then keep it. And this may sound odd but perhaps you'd consider asking the gallery to have the artist inscribe something on the back of the painting - a few words, a thank you, a "to ......, from ....." - something that might diminish your disappointment and make this particular piece even more special to you.

We were visiting a small art gallery near our newly built vacation home and my DH spied some collages and was immediately taken by them. I walked right by them without giving them a second glance but I've learned to trust his instinct. DH thought they'd be perfect on our still bare walls and quietly negotiated a price for 5 of them. When the artist found out that someone had bought so many he wrote a lovely little letter that we affixed to the back of one. These items will never appreciate in value but I enjoy the thought that the artist sent us a personal note.

No, they did all that was needed to bring it up to par.

Thanks for all the input. I'm taking the painting and am excited for it once again.