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Search results "auction"

The starting price of a lot at auction is rarely pulled out of thin air. It is based on an estimate—a preliminary valuation of the item determined by the auction house's experts. This is not the exact sale price, but rather a projected range within which the lot is expected to sell.

In the minds of many, an auctioneer is just someone who talks fast and bangs a gavel. In reality, their role is much deeper and more complex. They are a key figure on whom the success of the auction and the final price of a lot directly depend. They are not just an intermediary but an active participant in the process, managing the dynamics and mood of the room.

Christie's, founded by James Christie in London in 1766, is rightly considered one of the pillars of the global art market. Over its more than 250-year history, the house has earned a reputation as a guardian of tradition, specializing in the sale of the highest class of artworks. It is here that world record prices for paintings and sculptures are often set.

The first and one of the most important steps towards successfully selling a collection is choosing the right auction house. Not all auctions are the same: some specialize in Old Master paintings, others in contemporary art, and still others in numismatics or antique furniture. It is important to find a house whose specialization matches the profile of your collection.

The journey to your first auction purchase begins with formalities. To gain access to bidding, you need to complete the registration process on your chosen auction platform. This process typically requires providing accurate personal data and contact information, which will be used for communication and document processing if you win.

Success at an auction is rarely accidental. Behind every profitable purchase lies cold calculation, an understanding of psychology, and a well-chosen bidding strategy. Knowing different tactics allows you not only to control the bidding process but also to exert psychological pressure on rivals, making them doubt and retreat.

Auctions create a unique environment where rational thinking often gives way to emotions. Organizers and auctioneers skillfully use psychological triggers to push participants toward higher bids. The two most common traps are the endowment effect and competitive arousal.