How to Sell a Painting at Auction

How to Prepare to Sell a Painting at Auction

Selling a painting at auction can be a highly effective way to reach a broad audience and secure the best price for your artwork. Whether you’re considering parting with an heirloom, a contemporary piece, or a sought-after masterpiece, preparing your painting properly for auction is crucial to ensuring a successful sale. Here are some straightforward steps to help you prepare for consigning your painting to Burd Street Auctions and these steps would also generally apply to your preparation before bringing the painting to any major dealer or other fine arts auction house.

1. Evaluate the Condition of the Painting

Before you consider selling a painting at auction, it is essential to assess the condition of the work. The condition of a painting directly impacts its value and the liquidity of the painting, so efforts made in preparing the condition will have a direct impact on the sale price of the painting. Examine the artwork for any signs of damage, such as discoloration, cracks, or water stains. If the painting shows signs of deterioration, it may be worth seeking the help of a professional conservator to restore it.

In some cases, a light cleaning or touch-up may be necessary to bring out the artwork’s full potential. At Burd Street Auctions, we work with a network of restoration professionals to give consignors the option of having their consignments presented in a manner that is turnkey and ready to place for buyers. One question we field regularly: Isn't the auction "as-is where-is"? Buyers understand that the condition might not be pristine, right? Is it really worth the cost and hassle of having a piece restored before putting it before buyers, or is it more efficient to allow them to restore it as they see fit? And the answer is nuanced. At Burd Street, we catalog pieces with great precision and our condition reports can be somewhat brutal reads for items that are not ready to place. That said, many buyers do prefer to have their own conservator do the work, especially on high-value objects. Furthermore, auctions are mercurial. You don't know what the market will bear on auction day for the painting and sinking further funds into a piece you plan to part with might not make sense. So while a "turnkey" painting is always preferred by buyers, there is a great deal to consider before simply having your painting entirely restored. We would love to have that conversation with you about the specifics of your item.

2. Authenticate and Document Provenance

Provenance, or the history of ownership of a painting, plays a significant role in its auction value. Having documentation of the painting’s provenance, exhibition records, evidence of ownership by major well-respected galleries, sales receipts or statements of expertise and certificates of authenticity by the appropriate experts can provide valuable insight into its history and authenticity. If the painting has been in major private collections or has an established exhibition history, this can add to its appeal and desirability at auction. If the painting has been through the hands of well-regarded experts and galleries, this goes a long way to setting a buyer's mind at ease. And if there are clues to its history: i.e framing labels or photographs of original frames that correspond to the known framers for an artist, etc., these are essential pieces of information for buyers to consider.

At Burd Street Auctions, we recommend gathering any documentation that can confirm the painting’s origin, as well as any appraisals, purchase receipts or authentication certificates that might accompany the artwork. This information helps establish trust with potential buyers and can lead to higher bids.

3. Appraise the Painting's Value

Getting an accurate appraisal is an important part of the preparation process. Having a professional appraiser assess the painting’s value will give you a realistic idea of what it might fetch at auction. An appraisal will take into account the artist’s reputation, the painting’s condition, historical significance, and comparable sales of similar works.

Burd Street Auctions offers a Free Auction Estimate for paintings to help clients understand the market potential of their artwork before consigning it. We also work with independent experts to ensure the painting is priced correctly for the auction market.

4. Choose the Right Auction

Not all auction houses specialize in the same types of paintings. When selecting an auction house, consider whether they have experience with the style or artist of your painting. It is best to place your painting with an auction that specializes in or regularly achieves good results for that artist.

At Burd Street Auctions, we specialize in a wide range of artwork, from contemporary paintings to classical works. Our years of experience both as private dealers and in running the SILLA gallery in conjunction with Burd Street have allowed us to build a book of business and network of experts that allow us to both evaluate and also market your work effectively. Our emphasis is always on curating an experience for bidders that is compelling and interesting and our boutique approach allows us to put an unusually high emphasis on every object that is accepted for consignment. When you select an auction house or a dealer, these are the things you will want to look for: Will my painting be crammed in with 600 other lots in a packed out sale where it can easily be missed? Will it be featured or publicized? How much text will be written describing the lot, the history of the artist, the history of the painting and a trust-building condition report? What will presentation look like? These are crucial elements and the importance of your painting will affect how each of these is handled, so matching up the quality of the presentation by the auction house with the quality of the painting you are consigning is most important.

5. Prepare High-Quality Photographs

High-quality images are crucial for showcasing your painting to potential buyers. The better the photographs, the more attention your painting will attract. Ensure that the photos are taken in good lighting with high resolution. Include shots from various angles, including close-ups of any signatures, labels, or markings that help identify the artist or provenance.

At Burd Street Auctions, we handle the photography for each consigned item, ensuring that every painting is presented in the best possible light in our auction catalogs and online platforms.

6. Understand the Auction Process

Familiarize yourself with the auction process, including auction fees, commission rates, and the timing of the sale. It is important to understand the full financial picture before committing to a sale.

Additionally, make sure you’re aware of the auction schedule, as timing can be an essential factor in the success of the sale. Burd Street Auctions offers flexible consignment deadlines and clear communication regarding auction dates and timelines.

Conclusion

Selling a painting at auction can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but the success of the sale depends largely on careful preparation. Start by assessing the painting’s condition, gathering documentation of provenance, and obtaining an accurate appraisal. Choose an auction house that specializes in the type of artwork you are selling, and ensure that your painting is professionally photographed and presented to the right audience. By following these steps, you will be well on your way to maximizing the value of your painting and increase your chances of a successful sale.