Hey artists. Here are some of the best known art auction houses that you should familiarise yourselves with. Since nobody is painting anymore Mona Lisa’s then there’s a chance your work might just have a shot at garnering a bidding frenzy at one of these houses one day!!
1. Christie’s
First up is Christie’s, one of the oldest and most respected auction houses in the world. Founded in 1766, Christie’s has a long history of hosting major art auctions, including record-breaking sales of works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet. With locations in London, New York, Hong Kong, and Paris, Christie’s has a global reach and attracts top collectors and dealers from all over the world.
2. Sotheby’s
Another major player in the art auction world is Sotheby’s. Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the second oldest auction house and is known for its high-profile sales of rare and significant pieces of art. In recent years, Sotheby’s has expanded its reach with auctions in locations such as Dubai, Doha, and Beijing, making it one of the most globally recognized auction houses.
3. Phillips
While not as well-known as Christie’s or Sotheby’s, Phillips is still a major player in the art auction scene. Founded in 1796, Phillips has a strong focus on contemporary art and has been responsible for some groundbreaking sales in this category. With locations in New York, London, and Hong Kong, Phillips is a great place to find cutting-edge pieces from emerging artists.
4. Bonhams
Bonhams may not have the same name recognition as some of the other major auction houses, but it has a strong presence in the art world. Founded in 1793, Bonhams specializes in fine art, antiques, and collectibles and has a global network of 25 offices. With its diverse range of auctions, Bonhams is a great place for both seasoned collectors and new buyers to find unique pieces.
5. Artcurial
Headquartered in Paris, Artcurial is a leading French auction house with a reputation for high-quality art sales. Founded in 2002, Artcurial has quickly risen to become one of the top auction houses in the world, with record-breaking sales of works by artists such as Banksy and Salvador Dalí. In addition to its Paris location, Artcurial also has branches in Brussels, Monte Carlo, and Marrakech.
So, whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting to dip your toes into the art world, these major auction galleries are the places to be. Not only do they offer an impressive selection of art from all genres and periods, but they also provide an exciting and competitive atmosphere that can’t be replicated. Keep an eye out for their upcoming auctions, and who knows, you may just come away with a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to add to your collection.
