What is artwork consignment, exactly? Put simply, it's the professional method for reselling art that involves a collector giving their work to resale art dealers or auction houses to sell on their behalf, with the ultimate objective of making a sale.
Art consignment: 13 important tips (and the right questions to ask) Attend a few sales. Before you enter a consignment agreement, document. Know the season you're selling in, and sell what's in demand. Choose an auction house: ask key questions. Follow drop-off rules. Ask about reserve prices.
To consign is to 'deliver something to someone'. In terms of art, it's when the owner of the artwork - the consigner - consigns (gives) their artwork to a gallery or auction house via a specialist, with the intention of putting the work up for sale.
Art consignment: 13 important tips (and the right questions to ask) Attend a few sales. Before you enter a consignment agreement, document. Know the season you're selling in, and sell what's in demand. Choose an auction house: ask key questions. Follow drop-off rules. Ask about reserve prices.
Art consignment can be generally described as a work of art being delivered by its owner —the consignor— to a specialist art vendor —the consignee— for the purpose of being sold at some time in the future. Vendors include art dealers and auction houses.
To “consign” a painting, ing to Merriam-Webster, is to send or address it to an agent to be cared for or sold. In the art world, the term is used when collectors, artists, and galleries entrust other galleries or auction houses with artworks, hoping to make a sale.