Sotheby's

Biography

Sotheby’s was founded in 1774 when Samuel Baker first auctioned off books from the library of Sir John Stanley in London. Today, with a 272-year living legacy of uniting collectors with their passions, Sotheby’s has grown to become the preeminent place where collectors gather, presenting auctions and exhibitions online and at venues throughout the world.

The principal salerooms at Sotheby’s are located in London, New York City, Paris, and Hong Kong. In effort to expand its global reach and recognize potential in new markets, Sotheby’s also conducts auctions in six additional salerooms around the world.

Sotheby’s conducts 250 auctions each year spanning 40 different countries and 70 categories including Contemporary Art, Automobiles, Impressionist and Modern Art, Jewellery, Old Master Paintings, Watches, and Wine. World treasures including “Garcon a la Pipe” by Picasso, Napoleon’s St. Helene library, “Aristotle Contemplating the Bust of Homer” by Rembrandt, “Massacre of the Innocents” by Rubens, and “L’Homme Qui Marche” by Giacometti have sold at Sotheby’s and have helped to further fuel their reputation for excellence.

The renowned company also offers its customers with a range of services to help corporations find value in the art marketplace, provide valuations for private collections, museums, fiduciaries, and corporations, value personal property assets, assist with taxation and heritage issues, and more.