Sotheby´s Auction House

Since the founding of the Sotheby's Auction House in 1744, the Sotheby's name has distinguished itself as a leader in the auction of the world's most valuable and fine possessions.

Season after season, the depth and excellence of Sotheby’s offerings have produced record-breaking sales. Sotheby’s has been entrusted with the sale of many of the world's treasures, amongst them: Napoleon’s St Helena library, the Duchess of Windsor’s jewels, the Estate of Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the Magna Carta, the first printing of the Declaration of Independence, in addition to works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Picasso.

Sotheby’s has long recognised that great works of art, as well as the collectors interested in consigning and acquiring them, inhabit the global sphere. We were the first international auction house to expand from London to New York in 1955, and the first to conduct sales in Hong Kong and the then–Soviet Union.

Today we maintain 90 locations in 40 countries and we conduct 250 auctions each year in over 70 categories. In addition to our four principal salerooms, the company, recognising the potential in new markets, also conducts auctions in six other salerooms around the world, further expanding our global reach. Through BidNow, clients can also watch all Sotheby’s auctions live online and place bids in real time, from anywhere in the world. And through the ever-enriching content on Sothebys.com, the oldest publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (BID) continues to be fresh and current, while always mindful of its historic roots.

This reputation is built as much on exceptional service to clients as it is on the notable art, antiques, jewelry and other holdings that pass through Sotheby's offices around the world. It was out of this rich heritage that the Sotheby's International Realty brand was born.