The auction season

What is the auction season?

The auction season is the period into which the major evening sales are concentrated, where the most important works go under the hammer. The market has two such peaks a year, when the attention of the whole trade turns to the salerooms. They are something like the art market's festivals, awaited for months.

How does it work?

The major evening sales are traditionally concentrated into two periods: spring (usually May) and autumn (October or November). The strongest offering is drawn into these few weeks, because that is when there are the most buyers and the most attention in the rooms. The rest of the year tends to be noticeably quieter.

Why does it matter to a collector or buyer?

During the season the most interesting works come together in one place and over a short period, so it is easier to compare and get your bearings. Anyone wanting to see where the market's attention is turning will find the most to go on in these weeks. Isn't it useful to know when things are at their densest?

What should you watch out for?

Seasonality is no longer as sharp as it once was, because online sales are gradually spreading it across the whole year and interesting works appear outside the main waves too. Do not rely solely on the two annual peaks, then, and follow the offering continuously. Patience serves better here than chasing one great evening.

— Anna Pulkertová, founder of Art Part Club