Art auctions play an important role in the art world, as they offer a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire rare and valuable pieces. While the number of art auctioneers has increased significantly in the past couple of decades, some have been around for centuries and are still going strong. Let’s look at three famous art auction houses that have been shaping the landscape of the global art market for ages.

Three Famous Art Auction Houses That All Art Lovers Must Know

Christie’s

Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie’s is the oldest and one of the most prestigious art auction houses in the world. It has a long history of handling important sales, including the sale of the Duke of Buckingham’s art collection in 1848, which included the famous portrait of William Shakespeare. The most expensive painting ever sold, Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci, was sold at one of Christie’s auctions in 2017 for $450 million.

Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s was founded in 1744 in London. It is considered Christie’s main rival in the art auction industry. Sotheby’s founder, Samuel Baker, was a bookseller, so the auction house also specializes in rare books, along with contemporary art and jewelry. In 2021, Sotheby’s had its biggest sale of Edvard Munch’s The Scream, which was purchased for a whopping $119.9 million.

Phillips

Phillips is another auction house that has been in the art world since the 18th century. It is most well-known for holding sales of items owned by Queen Marie Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte. It is also the only auction that has ever had a sale inside Buckingham Palace. Harry Phillips, the founder of the auction house, was the first to start holding reception events for the guests of the auctions.

These three famous art auction houses have a long and distinguished history in the art industry. They are known for handling some of the most valuable and important sales in history and for their expertise in different areas of the art market. Whether you are a seasoned collector, an artist, or just an art enthusiast, you will not be disappointed by what these auctioneers bring to the table. These major players in the art market never fail to deliver a unique and exciting experience.