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Guide

Buy art privately

With over 40 years of experience in sourcing and selling some of the finest Old Master paintings, sculpture and drawings on the market, Nicholas Hall is a reputable gallery for its expertise and fairness. We are selective and passionate about the works we present for sale – each one is vetted for authenticity, quality and interest; it is also possible for us to help you source specific types of works upon request. We take great pride and pleasure in contributing to our clients’ collecting journey – be it practical like framing, shipping and conservation, or intellectual such as securing museum loans and publications.
Buy from us

A step-by-step guide to buying privately

Step 01

Identify the type of artwork which interests you

Our website publishes a small selection of available works, which would be listed under ‘works for sale‘, and if applicable, in a current exhibition. The majority of available works, however, tend not to be shown online. This is because we work with many very private individuals and organizations who prefer their art collection to be offered in a targeted, discreet way and we agree that it would be best sales strategy. Working around this premise, we created profiles for some of the artists we currently or regularly have in stock to engage with potential buyers. We encourage you to use the artist filters to start exploring the artists, periods, regions or topics that interest you. Browsing our Notable Sales below also gives you an idea of our past handling of artists as well as a glimpse into current market availability. 

SELECTED NOTABLE SALES
Step 02

Let’s talk

If you have a specific artwork or collecting criteria in mind, you may discuss your interest with us in person or over the phone. Keep in mind that many of the artworks can be sourced even if they are not currently in stock. Let us know should you have a particular idea. Please call +1 212-772-9100 or email us at [email protected] to arrange for an appointment to meet at our gallery. Typically, after a preliminary conversation, we would send you information and images of works of potential interest. 

A visitor examines a Portrait of an African Woman by Annibale Carracci (bought by the Louvre Abu Dhabi) during an exhibition opening at Nicholas Hall, 2017 © Nicholas Hall Gallery
STEP 03

See the artwork in person

At this point you would typically request an appointment to see one or more artwork in person or ask your trusted advisor to see it on your behalf. Although we provide condition reports by outside restorers upon request, it is always helpful to see the works in person to fully experience the spirit of the work. Viewing locations depend on the specific situation for the artwork – usually it will be at our gallery space on East 76th Street in New York, but also it can be at UOVO in Long Island City, other freeports and storage facilities worldwide, or even a public exhibition where the work is on loan.

STEP 04

Make an offer

With the asking price in mind, you are encouraged to make your best offer.

 

 

Nicholas Hall and a client at an exhibition opening, 2018 © Christian Nyampeta
STEP 05

Reach an agreed price and finalize deal

Upon receiving your offer, we weigh various factors before deciding whether we accept the offer in the case of our own inventory, or in the case of a consignment, to pass on your offer to the consigner. For consigned works, we usually take a 5-20% commission, depending on the value of the work – this is competitive with industry peers and leading auction houses. We try our best to agree on a price that makes everyone happy.

Step 06

Payment and shipment

We issue a sales invoice to you which is payable upon receipt, unless your accepted offer includes pre-agreed payment terms. There may be additional tax or duty, depending on your shipping destination. Working with our global network of art transport experts, we can give you the best recommendation that suits your needs. You will receive a separate shipping quote based on your shipping destination; once we reach an agreement, the work will be shipped and you will typically be billed by the shipping agent upon receipt. You may also request to use your own shipper. In terms of insurance, you have the option of getting coverage with our general policy or your own.

Selected Global logistics partners
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Shipping Storage logo_Helutrans
Shipping Storage logo_Uovo
Shipping Storage logo_Crozier
Shipping Storage logo_Fracassi
Shipping Storage logo_Gander and White
Shipping Storage logo_KunstTrans
Shipping Storage logo_Mobull
Shipping Storage logo_Loomis
Shipping Storage logo_Masterpiece International
Shipping Storage logo_Möbel transport
Shipping Storage logo_Hasenkamp
Shipping Storage logo_Fritz
Shipping Storage logo_Kortmann
Shipping Storage logo_Helutrans
Shipping Storage logo_Uovo
Shipping Storage logo_Crozier
Shipping Storage logo_Fracassi
Shipping Storage logo_Gander and White
Shipping Storage logo_KunstTrans
Shipping Storage logo_Mobull
Shipping Storage logo_Loomis
Shipping Storage logo_Masterpiece International
Shipping Storage logo_Möbel transport
Shipping Storage logo_Hasenkamp
Shipping Storage logo_Fritz
Shipping Storage logo_Kortmann
Shipping Storage logo_Helutrans
Shipping Storage logo_Uovo
Shipping Storage logo_Crozier
Shipping Storage logo_Fracassi
Shipping Storage logo_Gander and White
Shipping Storage logo_KunstTrans
Shipping Storage logo_Mobull
Shipping Storage logo_Loomis
Shipping Storage logo_Masterpiece International
Shipping Storage logo_Möbel transport
Shipping Storage logo_Hasenkamp
Shipping Storage logo_Fritz
Shipping Storage logo_Kortmann
Shipping Storage logo_Helutrans
Shipping Storage logo_Uovo
Shipping Storage logo_Crozier
Shipping Storage logo_Fracassi
Shipping Storage logo_Gander and White
Shipping Storage logo_KunstTrans
Shipping Storage logo_Mobull
Shipping Storage logo_Loomis
Shipping Storage logo_Masterpiece International
STEP 07

Receive the artwork

Celebrate your new acquisition!

We encourage you to keep in touch and we remain completely at your disposal should there be any concerns or topics you wish to discuss with us. Many clients have received tips on shipping, conservation, framing, and lighting from us, and in some cases, secured museum loans and publicity for the works.

An exhibition at the National Gallery of Ireland in 2024 featuring Jan Lieven’s Man with a Turban, lent by a private collector who acquired the painting from Nicholas Hall in 2019.

Advice on buying elsewhere

Some clients prefer to get a second / third opinion on prospective purchases. Should you wish to receive such advise, we are happy to oblige – of course with discretion and fairness –  be it a purchase through auction or another gallery. Many of our clients have been with us for several decades and we want the best for them.

In addition, collectors ask for specific areas of interest and you can take advantage of our extensive network and market knowledge to bring to your attention appropriate works which match what you are looking for.

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