Verified as of 28 September 2026.
Selling a work from a collection means preparing title, provenance, condition, the sales channel and the net result. Starting from the advertised price tends to hide the main costs and risks.
Being entitled to sell
Check ownership, co-ownership, inheritance, charges, deposits and restrictions. If you are acting for a company or another person, document your authority.
The work's file
Gather the purchase invoice, provenance, certificate, catalogue, condition, restorations, photographs, export documents and rights. Do not fill gaps with claims you cannot support.
Choosing a channel
- auction: a set date and concentrated competition, with its own commissions and conditions;
- gallery or dealer: private sale, access to buyers and commission;
- consignment: the work is handed over for sale without ownership passing at the outset;
- direct sale: more control, but also more obligations regarding documentation, payment and delivery.
Price and net proceeds
Distinguish between the public price, reserve, hammer price, commissions, taxes, transport, insurance, restoration and the net amount. Ask for a written statement of account.
Resale right
In certain resales involving art market professionals, the resale right of the artist or their heirs may arise. Spanish law sets its conditions, thresholds and liability. Do not confuse it with a voluntary platform royalty.
Export and delivery
Do not promise an international delivery date without checking permits. Define packing, insurance, place of delivery, transfer of risk and the documents the buyer will receive.
Closing the paperwork
Keep the contract or invoice, statement of account, proof of payment, the parties' identity where appropriate, outgoing condition, transport and the new location if known. Update the inventory without erasing earlier history.
On the open conversation
Tax and professional obligations depend on the parties and the transaction. This guide does not replace tax or contractual advice.
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