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Selling a work of art

Par Let's studio QUENTIN,

12 December 2019

There are several options for you to sell a work of art that you own. Classical paintings, marble sculptures, old books, ceramics, etc. Whatever the object is that you want to sell, we offer you a variety of existing solutions to sell works of art, as well as our advice in order to sell them at the best price.

To appraise a work of art

If you have no idea of the value of your art object, it is in your interest to first receive an appraisal of its value. Some antiques magazines offer to make a free estimate through photos and information about the appraised object.

You can also call on the services of an auctioneer or professional affiliated with the French Syndicate of Professional Experts in Works of Art and Collectibles (SFEP). This service is paid however.

The simplest solution is to receive an online appraisal. An art appraisal website allows you to quickly obtain a free appraisal, with a valuation as close as possible to the price obtainable via the art market. The process is the same as the other appraisal methods: requiring a few photos of the object and a detailed description of the work including its origin, author, etc.

How to sell a work of art at the best price?

Auctions, private sales, flea markets, etc. There are many solutions to efficiently sell the work of art you own. It’s up to you to find the one that best suits you based on your knowledge of the art market, and the urgency of the sale.

Selling a work of art at a flea market or garage sale

Whilst this method of selling a work of art is becoming outdated, it is still common to sell a work of art via these methods. The main advantage lies in the fact that you will have no commission on the sale as you, as the owner of the work, are responsible for the sale. It is also a more personal way to sell a work, as you will be able to discuss the price directly with the buyer. A sale via a flea market, however, requires a lot of time and does not guarantee the success of the sale every time. It will also be necessary to be knowledgeable about the work and the art market in order to not be taken advantage of so this method is best suited to knowledgeable vendors.

Selling your work to a second-hand dealer or an antique dealer

Selling through a specialized intermediary guarantees an immediate transaction. It is an easy and fast option which allows you to obtain, immediately, money for your work of art. It can be an antique dealer, a second-hand dealer, or an art gallery. However, the amount of money that you will be offered by this intermediary will always be below the real value of the art work you sell as the price that is offered takes into account profit that the buyer intends to draw from the resale of the object. This solution is best suited to those who desire a quick sale, and money as fast as possible.

Selling a work via an intermediary

This is another selling option that can offer you a second-hand dealer or an art gallery. This time, the dealer is responsible for finding a buyer, by exhibiting your art object within their premises while defining a commission that will be charged upon the selling price. This method is for people who do not have an urgent need to sell their work because finding the right buyer can take a lot of time.

Selling your artwork at auction

In the same way, an auction is also best reserved to sellers who do not have an urgent need to sell their works. The work will first be stored by the auction house which will include your work in their catalogue/brochure before presenting them to auction in order to get the best price. The sale at the sum you expect is by no means guaranteed. And once the sale is done, you will have to wait another month to get the money. It should be noted that the auction house also collects approximately 20% of the selling price to pay the auctioneer who sells it, and any experts who provided the estimate.

Selling your artwork via mutual agreement

Another channel through which you can sell your artwork is via a mutual agreement. Auction houses can operate sales by mutual agreement, that is to say without going through a public auction. This solution allows you to find a buyer, ready to acquire your artwork, more easily. It is also a solution that offers more discretion and privacy.

To ask for a free appraisal within 48 hours, check out our Online Work Estimate Request form. The experts at Mr Expert will provide you with a fair estimate, in order to achieve the best possible price.