Submission guidelines · Art

Art: what we accept

We accept authentic works of art with an expected value of €100 or more — paintings, prints, photography and sculpture that appeal to serious collectors. Every submission is reviewed by an Auctium art expert before it can go live: they align pricing with current demand, verify documentation and place each work in the most suitable auction.

What we accept

• Paintings and mixed media, prints and multiples, photography, and sculpture or 3D objects — authentic and attributable to the stated artist.
• Works in good condition — minor frame scuffs and light handling marks are acceptable.
• Provenance and paperwork — certificates, invoices, catalogue references — provided when requested.
• A minimum expected value of €100, with shipping costs proportionate to that value.

Every work is judged case by case. Works by artists with an established auction record, documented provenance and complete paperwork are approved fastest and achieve the strongest results.

Reserve price rules

Works valued below €200 are listed without a reserve price. Above €200, any reserve is agreed with our experts at a level the current market supports.

What we do not accept

• Works with authenticity or provenance concerns that lack supporting documentation.
• Works in poor condition — tears, mould, major fading — or too heavily restored, such as large overpainted areas or replaced supports.
• Works declined for legal reasons, including copyright infringement or inappropriate content.
• Reproduction prints that are not clearly described as “After” the artist in the title.
• Works carrying self-issued certificates that cannot be verified, and unsigned or attributed works without supporting evidence.

Required details

The submission form guides you through the essentials — complete every field so bidders can assess the work without guessing:

• Artist — full name and, where relevant, lifespan and nationality.
• Medium — technique and materials, e.g. oil on canvas, screenprint on wove paper.
• Dimensions — image or sheet size, plus framed size and orientation where applicable; full H × W × D for sculpture.
• Year of creation and whether the work is signed.
• Condition — craquelure, foxing, fading, repairs or restorations, each visible in at least one photo.
• Description — background on the artist, edition details for prints, exhibition or catalogue references, provenance and shipping arrangements.

For editioned works, always state the edition size and number (“84/150”), the printing technique, and how the work is signed and numbered. Reproductions must carry “After [Artist]” in the title with the reproduction process described. Works listed as “attributed to”, “in the manner of” or “circle of” require an expert opinion, prior sale records or provenance evidence — otherwise they cannot be accepted.

Photos

Upload at least 5 high-quality images for paintings and sculpture, and 2 for prints — sharp, well lit, against a plain background, without flash or colour filters. Your set must show:

• The full artwork, framed and unframed where relevant.
• The reverse side.
• A close-up of the signature — and of the edition number.
• Every condition flaw you mention, photographed close-up.
• All supporting documents: certificates, invoices, expert letters.

Missing document photos are the most common reason approval is delayed — photograph everything.

Proof of authenticity

We require verifiable proof of authenticity and provenance, especially for high-value or attributed works. Acceptable documentation includes:

• Certificates of authenticity issued by a recognised gallery, expert or artist's foundation.
• Gallery invoices or original purchase receipts.
• References to catalogues raisonnés or artist archives.
• Provenance documentation — previous ownership, exhibition or sale records.

Self-issued COAs are not accepted, unless issued by the living artist and signed with a signature matching the work. Certificates or provenance that cannot be verified lead to rejection or re-evaluation.

A description that sells

Give the medium, exact dimensions, signature position, edition and year first; then provenance, documentation and honest condition notes. Describe restoration before a bidder discovers it.