Flogging a painting
#1
Flogging a painting
So, I have an oil that I want to sell. Long story, but I would rather have the cash than the painting. It isn't Sotherby's/Christie's type quality, just an early to mid 19th century, large, unsigned (as far as I can see) marine painting of some ships messing about off what appears to be the south coast of England.
Has anyone here ever unloaded a painting in the U.S? And if so, did it go by auction or a straight sale? I know I could pay to get an appraiser in, but looking for some general experience from others since I'm sure they aren't cheap and I don't think I've got a fortune wrapped up in this painting, exactly.
Any experience anyone?
Has anyone here ever unloaded a painting in the U.S? And if so, did it go by auction or a straight sale? I know I could pay to get an appraiser in, but looking for some general experience from others since I'm sure they aren't cheap and I don't think I've got a fortune wrapped up in this painting, exactly.
Any experience anyone?
#2
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 0
Re: Flogging a painting
So, I have an oil that I want to sell. Long story, but I would rather have the cash than the painting. It isn't Sotherby's/Christie's type quality, just an early to mid 19th century, large, unsigned (as far as I can see) marine painting of some ships messing about off what appears to be the south coast of England.
Has anyone here ever unloaded a painting in the U.S? And if so, did it go by auction or a straight sale? I know I could pay to get an appraiser in, but looking for some general experience from others since I'm sure they aren't cheap and I don't think I've got a fortune wrapped up in this painting, exactly.
Any experience anyone?
Has anyone here ever unloaded a painting in the U.S? And if so, did it go by auction or a straight sale? I know I could pay to get an appraiser in, but looking for some general experience from others since I'm sure they aren't cheap and I don't think I've got a fortune wrapped up in this painting, exactly.
Any experience anyone?
#3
Re: Flogging a painting
So, I have an oil that I want to sell. Long story, but I would rather have the cash than the painting. It isn't Sotherby's/Christie's type quality, just an early to mid 19th century, large, unsigned (as far as I can see) marine painting of some ships messing about off what appears to be the south coast of England.
Has anyone here ever unloaded a painting in the U.S? And if so, did it go by auction or a straight sale? I know I could pay to get an appraiser in, but looking for some general experience from others since I'm sure they aren't cheap and I don't think I've got a fortune wrapped up in this painting, exactly.
Any experience anyone?
Has anyone here ever unloaded a painting in the U.S? And if so, did it go by auction or a straight sale? I know I could pay to get an appraiser in, but looking for some general experience from others since I'm sure they aren't cheap and I don't think I've got a fortune wrapped up in this painting, exactly.
Any experience anyone?
The other option is a consignment store that specializes in art (some galleries will do this too) but, if you don't know what it's worth, it will be hard to set a price.
#5
Re: Flogging a painting
Call your local auction house - they should be able to tell you what they think they would get for it. Of course, if you sell it at auction there are no guarantees and most auctioneers are reluctant to accept items with a reserve but once they have given you an estimate you can decide whether you want to risk it or not.
The other option is a consignment store that specializes in art (some galleries will do this too) but, if you don't know what it's worth, it will be hard to set a price.
The other option is a consignment store that specializes in art (some galleries will do this too) but, if you don't know what it's worth, it will be hard to set a price.
I will just have to try harder at finding an appropriate auctioneer, or even marine art specialist of some kind. Auction houses take a pretty fat cut, too.
Last edited by Lion in Winter; Apr 2nd 2012 at 12:50 am.
#6
Re: Flogging a painting
Call your local art museum they may be able to recommend appraisers or galleries or dealers or have someone on staff who can help.
#9
Re: Flogging a painting
#10
Re: Flogging a painting
Sadly it's really unlikely to be worth a bomb, but probably more than I'm willing to risk on ebay. I just need to find a reliable appraiser who doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and will give me some pointers on how to unload it.