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Search results "collecting"

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.

Beyond the classic public auctions where dozens of participants compete for a lot, other, less publicized formats exist. These include private sales and charity auctions. Each of these formats has its own unique characteristics, objectives, and rules of participation, attracting a diverse audience.

Participating in an auction can be thrilling, but the euphoria of winning a lot often gives way to surprise when you see the final bill. The price at which the auctioneer's hammer falls (the hammer price) is far from the final amount you will have to pay. There is a whole system of additional fees that significantly increase the final cost.

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.