/ Provenance Index / Sotheby's

Sotheby's

Auction House · Mega · Founded 1744
A-

Excellent (A-) — Provenance Grade

Sotheby's is the world's second-largest auction house and the oldest (1744). Patrick Drahi (BC Partners) acquired 2019; multiple cost-cutting rounds 2020-2024. SEC private offering 2024 (Sotheby's Financial Services secondaries). Strong contemporary art positioning.

88
Composite / 100
/ Subscore Breakdown · 5 Dimensions

Where this grade comes from.

Authenticity / Due Diligence
A-
Pricing Transparency
B+
Artist Treatment
B+
Collector Service
A-
Liquidity / Resale Posture
A
/ Key Events & Disclosures

Timeline & positioning.

  • Founded 1744 (London)
  • Patrick Drahi acquisition 2019
  • Cost-cutting 2020-2024
  • SEC private offering 2024

/ Best for

Contemporary art consignors; collectors valuing Sotheby's New York-centric market positioning.

/ Watch out for

Multiple cost-cutting rounds have affected senior specialist retention. Verify your specific category specialist's continuity before consigning.