The Top 5 Art Auction Houses: A Guide to the World's Most Prestigious Auctions

Editorial
Written By Editorial Team

The art auction market is one of the most lucrative and glamorous industries in the world, with billions of dollars worth of art sold each year. There are numerous art auction houses across the globe, but the top 5 are Christie's, Sotheby's, Phillips, Bonhams, and Heritage Auctions. In this essay, we will examine each of these auction houses in detail and highlight some of their upcoming auctions in 2023.



Christie's

Auction at Christie’s

Christie's was founded in London in 1766 and is the oldest auction house in the world. The company has a reputation for selling the most valuable and prestigious artworks, including the recent sale of the Leonardo da Vinci painting, Salvator Mundi, for a record-breaking $450 million. Christie's has auction rooms in London, New York, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, and offers a wide range of art and collectibles, from classic paintings to modern and contemporary art.

Upcoming Auction: In May 2023, Christie's will host a sale of Impressionist and Modern Art in New York, featuring works by Picasso, Monet, and Degas.

Sotheby's

Sotheby's was founded in London in 1744 and has since expanded globally, with locations in New York, Paris, Hong Kong, and Geneva. Sotheby's specializes in art, jewelry, and collectibles and has a reputation for high-end sales, such as the recent auction of the 1933 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle coin for $18.9 million. The company has a particular emphasis on contemporary art, with record-breaking sales of works by artists such as Basquiat and Koons.

Upcoming Auction: In February 2023, Sotheby's will host a sale of Impressionist and Modern Art in London, featuring works by Van Gogh, Renoir, and Cézanne.

Phillips

Phillips saleroom in London, courtesy Phillips.

Phillips was founded in London in 1796 and is now headquartered in New York. The company is known for its contemporary art sales and has a particular focus on emerging artists. Phillips offers a variety of art, including paintings, photographs, and sculptures, with a global network of offices in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong.

Upcoming Auction: In April 2023, Phillips will host a sale of 20th Century & Contemporary Art in New York, featuring works by Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Hockney.

Bonhams

Bonhams Fine & Rare Wine and Whisky Auction on 16 August 2019, courtesy to Bonhams.

Bonhams was founded in London in 1793 and has since expanded to locations across the world, including New York, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. The company specializes in fine art, antiques, and collectibles, with a focus on British art and old masters. Bonhams also offers auctions for contemporary and modern art, as well as jewelry and watches.

Upcoming Auction: In March 2023, Bonhams will host a sale of Old Master Paintings in London, featuring works by Rubens, Rembrandt, and Canaletto.

Heritage Auctions

Heritage Auctions was founded in Dallas, Texas, in 1976 and has since expanded to locations in Beverly Hills, Chicago, New York, and Hong Kong. The company specializes in collectibles, including coins, comics, and sports memorabilia, but also offers auctions for fine art and luxury items.

Upcoming Auction: In May 2023, Heritage Auctions will host a sale of American Art in New York, featuring works by Rockwell, O'Keeffe, and Wyeth.



In summary, the top 5 art auction houses are the leading players in the art market, offering a platform for collectors and investors to acquire some of the most valuable and prestigious artworks in the world. While investing in art can be profitable, it is essential to do thorough research and due diligence before making any purchases. As with any investment, the key is to diversify and not to put all your eggs in one basket.

Editorial Team
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