The art world can get pretty chaotic. With new artists and galleries emerging every day and trends constantly replacing each other, it can be difficult for collectors to navigate this field on their own. This is why art brokers take it upon themselves to help potential buyers and artists find each other. But what is an art broker? Keep reading if you are curious about the profession and what it entails.

What Is an Art Broker? An Introduction to the Profession

To understand the purpose of art brokers, you need to understand how the art market works. On the one hand, there are galleries and artists who sell their art and promote it. On the other hand, there are art collectors. For many people looking to purchase artworks, they are not only aesthetically pleasing objects — they are also investments. While the art market shares some similarities with other markets, regular investment rules rarely apply here. The value of artwork can fluctuate based on various factors that are difficult to control. In addition, art fraud is not uncommon, especially when it comes to faking works by famous artists.

How does someone looking to invest in art for the first time protect themselves from being scammed or losing large sums of money? This is exactly why art brokers are irreplaceable figures in the art industry. They possess the necessary knowledge and skills that allow them to make the best decision possible. For example, art brokers must have profound knowledge of art history, usually a specific period or art movement. Then, they must always keep their finger on the pulse of the art market. That includes knowing which art is in high demand at the moment and being able to predict future trends.

Apart from extensive knowledge, art brokers must be personable. They often need to communicate with people, be they collectors, artists, or gallery owners. This job requires constant networking, especially if one wants to become truly successful.

So, what is an art broker? To put it simply, it is someone who advises art collectors. They must know the ins and outs of the art market and be well-versed in art history. In addition, an art broker must be outgoing and open-minded to always be on top of their game.