Our Fine Art Consignment Services
Selling art on consignment requires some careful work, but after developing years of on-the-job experience, we have it down to a science. We have a long history in the industry and auction fine art received on consignment. We serve thousands of people worldwide, and we are experts in the world of fine art auctions and managing art consignments.
Our experienced staff assess the condition of your art and collect all relevant documentation before you present your valuables to the potential consignee. Documentation you should prepare for the consignment process includes when and where your paintings were acquired and their sizing specifications. Anything that details the origin and history of the painting is significant, as provenance is another criterion that enhances the value of the art. You should also include clear, quality, multi-angle images of the artwork and close-up photos of any artist's signature.
Once you have your paintings and documents ready, send us the photos or arrange a meeting with our specialists. After we’ve inspected your paintings and completed an appraisal, we will give you an estimate. If you are happy with the estimate and agree to move forward, you will sign a formal legal agreement, and we will take possession of your paintings.
Fine Art Appraisal
A fine art appraisal is the examination and determination of a piece’s value and the documentation of that value in an appraisal report. We base our fine art appraisals on research, including public and private sales records and similar artworks on the market for sale. We also consider the piece's history, past ownership, previous exhibitions, condition and more. The type and extent of research we conduct also depend on the purpose of the appraisal. Various appraisals we can perform include:
- Fair market and resale appraisals
- Replacement appraisals
- Market appraisals
- Liquidation appraisals
Appraisals value artwork for insurance claims, property and estate lawyers, tax representatives, buyers, galleries and other potential transactions. As a fine art auction house, we consign artwork for resale or auction value. We’ll determine the value of your piece, sell it and pay you the amount agreed in the consignment contract.
Our Fine Art Auction Process
Consignees are often auction houses that sell fine paintings and art at auctions. Auctions are fast-paced events in which anyone in the world can participate, whether in person, online or over the phone. Several weeks leading up to the auction, your art will be on display in our auction catalog to advertise the event and your pieces.
At the auction, an auctioneer will start and guide the bidding, hitting the auctioneer podium with a hammer when a bid has won. The auction house will take a portion of the sale price, known as a seller's commission, and disburse the rest to the consignor. The older and more well-kept your art is, the more you can earn through artwork consignment. Our fine art consignment process will allow you to get the most from your paintings and appreciate the selling process.
