Bubble Wrap

That Old Master? It’s at the Pawnshop

Curbed comments on the interesting NY Times article revealing the growing trend of loans backed by art along with real estate, especially for artists struggling with their personal finances.

“It’s very discreet,” said Ian Peck, a co-owner of Art Capital.

This little-known corner of the art business is lightly regulated and highly litigious. But this has not dissuaded clients who have included rich collectors like Veronica Hearst, art galleries and prominent artists themselves, including Ms. Leibovitz and Julian Schnabel.