When someone decides to sell an artwork, value is not the only question. The method of sale also matters. An auction, a private sale and a consignment differ in timing, public exposure, pricing, costs and the amount of control retained by the owner.
There is no single method that is right for every artwork. The decision depends on the artist, medium, condition, provenance, available documentation, urgency and the type of buyer who may be interested. Cassia House does not conduct auctions. Its work focuses on artwork review, guidance and potential sale options within the secondary market.
At auction, an artwork is offered during a scheduled sale and interested buyers place competing bids. Before accepting a piece, the auction house will generally review the available information, propose an estimate and set its terms. The final outcome depends on demand at that moment and on actual bidder participation.
An auction may be suitable when:
Before consigning to an auction, request the complete terms in writing. These may include the seller’s commission, photography or catalogue costs, insurance, transport, taxes, reserve price, treatment of an unsold lot and payment schedule.
In a private sale, the artwork is presented directly to potential buyers. Price and terms are negotiated without a public bidding process. This approach can offer greater discretion and more control over when a work enters the market.
It may be suitable when:
A private sale is not necessarily a quick sale. Its success still depends on quality, demand, realistic pricing, documentation and access to suitable buyers.
Consignment is an agreement in which an owner places an artwork with a gallery or intermediary for a defined period. Ownership does not transfer until a sale is completed. The agreement should state the price, commission, term, exclusivity, insurance, transport, payment conditions and what happens when the term ends.
The buyer’s price and the owner’s net proceeds are not the same figure. Both should be clear before the agreement is signed. It is also advisable to record the artwork’s condition at delivery with photographs and a signed condition note.
An estimate is not a guarantee. Comparable results, quality, date, medium, dimensions, condition, provenance and documentation can all influence the proposed range. An exceptional work by an artist may perform differently from a typical example by the same artist.
Any method may involve commissions, insurance, transport, storage, photography, restoration or taxes. Compare expected net proceeds rather than the advertised selling price alone.
Auctions follow scheduled intake and sale dates. A private sale may take longer while the right buyer is identified. Consignment follows the term defined in the agreement.
Auctions are inherently more public. A private sale can be handled more discreetly. The appropriate level of exposure depends on the owner’s preferences and the commercial strategy.
In a private sale or consignment, the owner can agree on pricing and conditions in advance. At auction, bidding dynamics influence the result within the agreed limits.
A visible signature alone does not establish authorship or value. Certificates, invoices, labels, historic photographs, publications, catalogues and ownership records may be relevant. They should be reviewed before the artwork is presented.
Some artworks appeal to a broad market; others are relevant to a narrower group of collectors. The method of sale should reflect the real audience for the work, not simply the artist’s general recognition.
Useful material includes:
Our artwork authenticity and provenance guide explains which records may be relevant. To understand how a market range is considered, see art appraisal and the secondary market.
Cassia House reviews the initial information and considers whether the artwork fits its field and has a realistic route to market. Depending on the case, the gallery may provide guidance about documentation, market range and possible sale methods. This review does not replace technical examination, authentication or a formal appraisal when those services are required.
To submit a work, first read how to sell an artwork and send the available information through our contact page.
Content reviewed by Cassia House, Buenos Aires. Updated July 2026.
