Where to sell art
There is no single best place to sell art; it depends on the work, how quickly you want to sell and how much effort you want to put in.
Auction houses
Best for works with a recorded auction market. Bidders compete publicly and the result is published. You pay a commission and possibly some fees; a sale usually takes 6–12 weeks from consignment, with payment about a month later.
Galleries and dealers
A dealer may buy outright or take the work on consignment. Selling to a dealer can be fast, but the price has to leave room for their margin. Galleries that represent the artist, or specialize in the period, are the best fit.
Online marketplaces
You list the work, answer buyers, and arrange payment and shipping yourself. Best for lower-value works; watch for fees and for scams that ask you to ship before payment clears.
Private sale
Selling to someone you know avoids fees, but there is no market test of the price; past auction results for the artist are a useful reference.
How to decide
- Look up the artist’s auction results: frequent sales and a range of prices point to auction
- Get a free auction estimate before accepting a private offer
- Compare the net amount you would receive after commission and fees, not the headline price
Free auction estimate
Popular artists at auction
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Questions
What is the best place to sell a painting?
For works by artists with a recorded auction market, an auction house is often best because bidders compete and the price is public. For lower-value works an online marketplace or a local dealer may be simpler.
Past auction results on ArtSell are not valuations or guarantees; an estimate is an opinion of the likely auction range, and authorship is confirmed by the house before any work is offered.
More seller guides
How to sell art at auctionSell a paintingSell a printSell a sculptureSelling inherited art and estatesHow to photograph art for an estimateAppraisal vs. auction estimateArt appraisal for insurance