How to resell a work of art? The complete step-by-step guide

Reselling a work of art is no longer the preserve of experts and major auction houses. Whether you own an antique painting, a lithograph, a contemporary sculpture, or even an artist’s drawing, there are now many ways to enhance its value and sell it. But how do you go about it? Between getting an appraisal, choosing a sales channel, and taking the necessary precautions, the reseller’s journey can be tedious. Here is a step-by-step guide to reselling a work of art with confidence.

Why and when to resell?

There are many reasons for reselling a work of art. Some people want to make room in their collection, while others are looking to profit from an increase in value. Sometimes, resale is the result of an inheritance or a move.

Whatever the reason, it is essential to approach this process with a clear head: the value of a painting or sculpture depends on the market, the artist’s reputation, and the condition of the piece. First and foremost, you need to know what you are reselling and when.

The art market remains dynamic. According to the Art Basel & UBS Art Market Report 2024, global sales exceeded $65 billion, with a growing share of transactions taking place online. However, traditional sales through galleries and auctioneers remain significant, especially for important works.

Step 1: Have your artwork appraised

Before considering selling, you need to have your painting, sculpture, or drawing appraised. An appraisal will give you a realistic range of market prices.

Where can you have a painting or sculpture appraised?

There are several options available to you:

• Auctioneers, who specialize in auctions, often offer free and confidential appraisals. They base their estimates on recent sales of similar items.
• Art galleries, especially if they represent the artist in question, can provide an accurate appraisal, particularly for contemporary works.
• Online platforms allow you to get an initial idea of the price, sometimes free of charge, based on photos and descriptions.
• Finally, some independent experts specialize in a specific field: appraisal of antique paintings, African art, bronze sculptures, contemporary art, etc.

What criteria influence value?

The signature, provenance, condition, rarity, and current demand play a key role.

A signed work, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, will sell more easily than an unsigned work.

For prints (engravings, lithographs, photographs), the edition number and the quality of the print are decisive factors.

Concerning contemporary works, the artist’s rating changes quickly, so it is essential to consult the latest sales. For an antique painting, on the other hand, the stability of the market often offers more guidance.

Step 2: Choose the right resale channel

Once you have obtained an estimate, the crucial question arises: where to sell? The choice of channel depends on the nature of the work, its price, and your availability.

1. Art galleries

Galleries can buy directly or sell on commission. They offer professional support: expertise, visibility among qualified buyers, and a guarantee of authenticity.

However, they take a significant commission (30 to 50%) and only accept works that fit their artistic style.

2. Auctioneers

Auctions remain an effective way to sell quickly, especially for recognized or antique works. The hammer price can sometimes exceed the estimate if several buyers are competing for a piece.

But beware: there are registration fees, a seller’s commission (often 15 to 25%), and the risk that the lot will remain unsold.

3. Private sales

Some sales are made privately, through personal connections or generalist platforms. This channel can be simple and commission-free, but it does present risks: no guarantee, scams, uncertain payment. This type of transaction is more suitable for low-value works.

4. Online art resale platforms

In recent years, the online sale of artworks has become more widespread. Sites such as Artsper allow individuals to offer their works to an international clientele.
There are many advantages: global visibility, logistical support, secure payment, and quality control. In addition, although there is a commission on sales, it is much lower.
The disadvantages: time required for ad validation and delivery.

Comparison table of resale channels

Canal de revente	Avantages	Inconvénients	Pour quel type d’œuvre ?
Galerie d’art	Expertise, accompagnement, visibilité auprès d’acheteurs qualifiés	Sélection stricte, commission élevée	Œuvres contemporaines, artistes représentés
Vente aux enchères	Forte exposition, prix parfois élevés	Frais, incertitude sur le résultat, délais	Tableaux anciens, œuvres signées, collections
Vente entre particuliers	Pas de commission, liberté totale	Risque d’arnaque, faible visibilité	Petites œuvres, objets décoratifs
Plateforme en ligne (ex. Artsper)	Visibilité internationale, paiement sécurisé, accompagnement	Processus de sélection, livraison	Art moderne, contemporain, design, street art

The best option may vary depending on your profile and your artwork. For a beginner private individual, online resale on a regulated platform is often the simplest and safest solution.

Step 3: Prepare for reselling

Once you have chosen your channel, carefully prepare your file.

Start by gathering the necessary documents: certificate of authenticity, purchase invoice, any correspondence with the gallery, exhibition history. These elements reinforce the credibility of the listing.

Pay attention to presentation

High-definition photographs showing the signature, the back of the frame, and details of the material are essential. Write a complete description:

• Title, technique, dimensions
• Year of creation
• Provenance and any exhibitions
• Condition

Also include a clear and consistent price estimate. For a free online painting sale, choose platforms that give you freedom to set the price while providing professional support.

Specific features depending on the type of work

• Lithographs and engravings: specify the print number and whether the signature is handwritten.
• Drawings and watercolors: mention the paper, technique, and approximate date.
• Sculptures: indicate the material (bronze, resin, stone), the founder, and the weight.
• Design objects: detail the materials and the manufacturer, which are very important for the value.

Step 4: Sell and conclude

The sale of a work of art must be secure and transparent.

• In a gallery, a contract sets out the terms and conditions and the commission.
• At an auction house, you sign a mandate and receive the net proceeds after the auction.
• Online, the platform often acts as an intermediary: it collects payment, organizes shipping, and transfers the amount to the seller.

Also consider insurance and transport: specialized companies provide packaging and tracking until delivery.

Finally, in France, any sale over €5,000 is subject to a flat tax of 6.5%, unless you opt for the capital gains regime (subject to supporting documents).

Step 5: After the sale

Once the work has been sold, keep all the documents: invoice, certificate, contract, proof of shipment, and proof of payment. If you plan to resell other works, keep a clear record of your transactions; this will make future appraisals easier.

For some collectors, reselling a first piece paves the way for a new purchase or allows them to refocus their collection on a specific period or style (e.g., post-impressionism, street art, or design).

In conclusion

Reselling a work of art requires time, method, and a minimum of market knowledge. Whether you are selling an antique painting, a contemporary lithograph, a sculpture, or a watercolor, the most important thing is to estimate the value accurately and choose the right channel.

Galleries guarantee quality, auctioneers guarantee efficiency, and online platforms such as Artsper guarantee simplicity and visibility.

With a serious and transparent approach, reselling art can be a rewarding experience. And sometimes even the start of a new adventure as a collector.

An artist worth checking out

FAQ

1. Where can I get a painting appraised for free?

Some auction houses and specialized platforms offer free online appraisals based on photos and specific information.

2. How can I tell if a painter is valuable?

Consult public auction databases (Artprice, Drouot, Artnet) and compare recent results. An artist who is exhibited or listed will see their prices rise.

3. Can you sell a work without a certificate of authenticity?

Yes, but it will be more difficult to sell. The certificate reassures buyers and guarantees the origin of the work. If there is no certificate, an appraisal can be requested.

4. How can you tell if a lithograph is valuable?

It must be signed by hand, numbered, and printed in a limited edition. Lithographs by famous artists (Picasso, Miro, Chagall) can fetch high prices.

5. What is the difference between reselling to an auctioneer and on an online platform?

The auctioneer manages the entire bidding process, with local visibility and strict legal supervision. The platform offers more flexibility and international reach, but often without a guarantee of immediate sale.

6. How do you sell a sculpture?

Take photos from several angles, mentioning the material, size, founder, and date. Entrust the sale to a specialized gallery or a platform suited to large-scale works.