In 2017, Leonardo da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi” shattered records, selling at auction for $450.3 million, a price no one saw coming. It was proof of what the right auction, the right buyers, and a little bidding frenzy can do.
But not every painting needs to hit the nine-figure mark to benefit from a strategic sale.
If you’re looking to sell your artwork, you’ve got two paths: auction or private sale. One puts your piece in front of serious collectors and investors, igniting competition. The other gives you full control but limits exposure. So, which is right for you?
Let’s break it down, the pros, cons, and the real factors that impact your final sale price, so you can choose the smartest way to sell.
Selling Your Artwork at Auction: Process, Benefits & Considerations
Selling a painting at auction isn’t just about placing it on a bidding block but about tapping into a network of serious collectors, investors, and institutions who are willing to compete for high-value artwork.
Here’s what the process looks like and why auctions often lead to record-breaking sales.
How the Auction Process Works
- Appraisal & Valuation – First, auction specialists evaluate your artwork to determine its estimated market value. They consider artist’s reputation, rarity, condition, and previous sales records for similar pieces.
- Selecting the Right Auction House – Major houses like Blackwell Auctions attract different buyer demographics. Choosing one with experience in your artwork’s niche is key.
- Auction Catalog & Marketing – Your painting is professionally photographed and included in pre-sale catalogs, digital listings, and auction previews to attract interest from global buyers.
- The Auction Event – On auction day, collectors and dealers bid against each other. Competitive bidding can drive the price up significantly beyond the initial estimate.
- Final Sale & Payment – Once the hammer falls, the highest bidder wins. The auction house handles payment, authentication, and transfer, ensuring a smooth transaction for the seller.
Why Choose an Auction? The Key Benefits
✔ Higher Potential Sale Price – Competitive bidding often pushes prices well beyond expectations. A painting that might fetch $10,000 in a private sale could triple in value at auction.
✔ Access to a Global Buyer Network – Reputable auction houses market artwork to serious collectors worldwide, expanding opportunities beyond local buyers.
✔ Expert Authentication & Trust – Buyers have confidence when purchasing from auctions, knowing pieces are vetted for authenticity, provenance, and market value.
✔ Full-Service Handling – From appraisals to buyer outreach, legal paperwork, and secure payment processing, auctions take care of the entire process for sellers.
Things to Consider Before Choosing an Auction
No Guaranteed Price – While competitive bidding can drive prices up, there’s no guarantee your artwork will sell for what you expect. Some auction houses allow reserve prices to set at a minimum.
Commission & Fees – Auction houses take a percentage of the final sale price (often 10-25%) as their commission. However, this fee covers marketing, handling, and buyer trust.
Time & Timing – Unlike private sales, where a transaction can happen anytime, you may need to wait for the next scheduled auction—which could be weeks or months away.
Who Should Sell at Auction?
An auction is the best choice if:
✔ Your painting is high-value, rare, or by a sought-after artist.
✔ You want maximum exposure and buyer competition.
✔ You prefer a professional, hands-off approach where the auction house manages everything.
Read more about How to Bid Here: https://blackwellauctions.com/how-to-bid/
Selling Through Private Sale: What You Need to Know
Selling your artwork through a private sale gives you full control over pricing, negotiations, and buyer selection—but it also comes with challenges.
Unlike auctions, where competition can drive up prices, private sales rely on direct connections and strategic outreach. Here’s what to expect if you choose this route.
How Private Sales Work
- Setting a Price – Unlike auctions, where bids determine value, you’ll need to set an asking price. Research similar works, past sales, and market demand to avoid overpricing or undervaluing your piece.
- Finding the Right Buyer – Private sales require networking with collectors, galleries, or art dealers to secure interest. Many sellers use art fairs, social media, and personal connections to find potential buyers.
- Negotiating the Sale – In a private sale, you handle negotiations yourself or through an art consultant. Expect buyers to counteroffer or request proof of authenticity, provenance, and condition reports.
- Handling the Transaction – Once a buyer is secured, you’ll need to manage the contract, payment processing, and delivery logistics to ensure a smooth, secure transaction.
Why Choose Private Sales? The Key Benefits
✔ Full Control Over Pricing – You set the price and negotiate on your terms, avoiding the unpredictability of auctions.
✔ Faster Transactions – No need to wait for scheduled auctions—if a buyer is ready, the sale can happen immediately.
✔ No Auction Fees – Unlike auctions, which take a commission (10-25%), private sales allow you to keep 100% of the selling price.
✔ More Discretion – Some collectors prefer selling privately to maintain anonymity, avoiding public auction records.
Challenges of Private Sales
Limited Buyer Reach – Without an auction house promoting your piece, your buyer pool is smaller and relies on personal connections or gallery outreach.
Lower Price Potential – Without competitive bidding, private sales often yield lower profits than auctions, where demand can drive prices up.
Seller Responsibility – You handle everything—marketing, negotiations, paperwork, and buyer trust—which can be time-consuming and risky if you lack experience.
Who Should Sell Privately?
A private sale may be the best choice if:
✔ You already have an interested buyer or a strong network in the art world.
✔ You want complete control over pricing and negotiations.
✔ You need a fast, direct transaction without auction house commissions.
Auction vs. Private Sale: Side-by-Side Comparison
When it comes to selling your artwork, choosing between an auction and a private sale can feel like a major decision. Both options offer unique advantages and drawbacks, but the right choice depends on your goals, timeline, and the value of your piece.
Below, we break down the key differences to help you decide.
| Factor | Auction | Private Sale |
| Pricing Control | Price is determined by competitive bidding. | The seller sets the asking price. |
| Potential Profit | Can exceed estimates if demand is high. | Typically lower without bidding wars. |
| Buyer Reach | A global network of collectors & investors. | Limited to personal contacts & galleries. |
| Speed of Sale | Takes time (appraisal, cataloging, auction date). | Faster if an interested buyer is available. |
| Marketing & Exposure | Auction house handles promotion, attracting serious buyers. | The seller is responsible for finding buyers & marketing. |
| Trust & Credibility | Buyers trust auction houses for authentication & legitimacy. | Buyer trust must be established through direct negotiation. |
| Fees & Costs | Auction houses take a percentage of the sale (typically 10-25%). | No auction fees, but marketing & transaction costs may apply. |
Real-World Example: When Auctions Outperform Private Sales
For seasoned collectors, understanding the ups and downs of art sales comes with years of experience. Alfred R. Frankel, M.D., who has spent over 50 years collecting art and antiques—particularly Florida art and pottery—knows exactly what to look for in an auction house.
“Blackwell Auctions is a gemstone find for collectors seeking to sell. With over 50 years as a collector of art and antiques, especially Florida art and pottery, I’m familiar with the ups and downs of auctions and auction houses. Blackwell, along with Edwin Bailey and company, represent the very best in professionalism in the auction business here in Florida. I highly recommend them.”
— Alfred R. Frankel, M.D. (Florida)
For sellers like Dr. Frankel, auctions provide a level of professionalism, transparency, and expertise that private sales simply can’t match. Having worked with various auction houses over the years, he recognizes that working with the right team makes all the difference.
Curious about the historic Sitting Bull portrait that made waves at auction? Read the story behind this rare 1890 painting and its remarkable sale at Blackwell Auctions. Click here: https://blackwellauctions.com/sittingbull/
Maximize Your Art’s Value with Blackwell Auctions
While private sales offer control, auctions provide global exposure, competitive bidding, and expert handling—often leading to higher sale prices and faster transactions. As seen in real-world examples, working with the right auction house ensures trust, professionalism, and market-driven results.
At Blackwell Auctions, we specialize in helping collectors, estate owners, and artists sell their artwork with confidence. Our expert team provides:
✔ Professional appraisals to determine true market value
✔ Extensive marketing to attract serious buyers and collectors
✔ Competitive bidding to maximize your final sale price
✔ A stress-free selling experience, handling everything from authentication to payment processing
Ready to get the best value for your artwork? Contact Blackwell Auctions today for a free consultation and let us help you sell with confidence.