Pricing Artworks: Science or Emotion?

30 November 2024
The price of an artwork is influenced by a complex interplay of factors that include supply and demand, the artist's career stage, medium, provenance, market trends, and emotional value. The primary art market, where artworks are sold for the first time, relies heavily on galleries to set prices based on reputation, education, and quality. Meanwhile, the secondary market, involving resales through auctions or dealers, adds variables like rarity and provenance, which can significantly impact prices. Auction results often serve as benchmarks for an artist's value, reflecting collector demand and influencing broader market trends. For living artists, milestones like institutional recognition and solo exhibitions play a pivotal role in price increases. Ultimately, the unique and limited nature of artworks ensures that pricing remains a blend of art and science, driven by both tangible factors and subjective value. 
Author(s)

Sevana Boghossian
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