# Sotheby's Inc.

Sotheby's Inc. is an other based in New York, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** other
- **Headquarters:** New York, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** New York, NY, United States
- **Founded:** 1744
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** sothebys.com

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

Sotheby's is the premier destination for auctions and private sales of Contemporary, Modern & Impressionist, Old Master Paintings, Jewelry, Watches, Wine, Decorative Arts, Asian Art & more

## Sectors

- Luxury
- Real Estate
- Media & Entertainment

## Offices

- Brooklyn
- Palo Alto
- Chicago
- Boulder

## Questions

### How does Sotheby's generate revenue beyond auction commissions?

Revenue comes from auction buyer's and seller's premiums, private sale margins, and financial services like secured lending against art collections. The firm also operates Sotheby's International Realty, a real estate franchise, and sells directly from luxury brand partners via its online shop.

### What distinguishes Sotheby's from Christie's?

Both are full-service auction houses with global salons, but Sotheby's carries a dedicated real estate arm, Sotheby's International Realty, and a broader brand retail presence selling new luxury goods. Ownership differs: Sotheby's is privately held by Patrick Drahi; Christie's is owned by the Groupe Artémis (Pinault family).

### Are Sotheby's auction results the only way to price art?

No. Auction prices establish public benchmarks, but private sales through galleries, dealers, and Sotheby's own private sale division often transact at non-disclosed prices. The Sotheby's Mei Moses index tracks repeat-sale data as an alternative art market performance indicator.

### How does Sotheby's handle authenticity and provenance?

Sotheby's maintains a team of in-house specialists and external experts who vet consignments for authenticity, title, and condition. The firm publishes auction catalogs with provenance histories and offers warranties on some lots. Liability for forgery is governed by auction terms and local law.

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- [Ancient Art](https://altss.com/profile/ancient-art)
- [Weee!](https://altss.com/profile/weee)

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

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