Private Art Dealers

Jessica Paindiris, CEO of the clarion list, looks at what a private art dealer can do for you and your art collection.

Private Art Dealers are growing in both numbers and influence as more and more art collectors choose to buy and sell art behind closed doors. Private dealers offer access to networks of artists and collectors, insider’s knowledge of the marketplace and great pricing. Savvy collectors, corporations and institutions are discovering the advantages of one on-one brokered art deals in the midst of a competitive and sometimes overwhelming art world of public galleries, auctions houses, online sales and art fairs.

KNOWLEDGE OF THE MARKETPLACE AND A PASSION FOR ART

Many private dealers have long experience in galleries, auction houses and museums. Some keep a foot in each camp, by continuing to show art in a gallery while transacting private sales. They share with their clients extensive expertise in the both the marketplace and specialized knowledge of the type of artworks they handle.

“A private dealer will know more than auction pricing—which is public and accessible to anyone—and will know the people and relationships that make up the artists’ market and their network of followers.” Jason Rulnick, ArtNet (a former private dealer)

Longtime gallerist turned private art dealer, Jayne H. Baum, describes the rise of private dealers as part of the overall changes in the art market. Instead of organizing gallery exhibits throughout the year, she concentrates on developing relationships and—during visits by appointment—she is able to give one hundred percent of her attention to collectors.

“The art world is changing every single minute. With major shifts in the marketplace and how the marketplace is looked at, it’s important to discuss the intrinsic value of art. I try my best to preserve the things that are of deep value to me, while looking at the market and understanding where it is going.” Jayne Baum