An artist’s rating makes it possible to estimate the value of their works. It corresponds to the price level usually attributed to them, based on their auction results as well as on the prices charged in galleries. The factors involved in its estimation are numerous and can be related to the works, to the artist, to a market trend, and so on. To understand them and relate them to one another, specialized art market programs are essential, such as those offered by IESA arts&culture.

What Is an Artist’s Market Value?

An artist’s market value is an index that measures their popularity and reputation. It serves as a reference for estimating the value of their works. It is not a fixed figure, but a price assessment that fluctuates with the popularity of the works.

It can be divided into several parts:
part of the price reflects the intrinsic quality of the work, for example its aesthetic quality, the size of the works, and the materials and techniques used; another part reflects the artist’s reputation, career, and activity; and finally one part is tied to market demand for their works.

The market value serves as a reference for assessing the price of a work at sale at a given moment; it is based on the latest auction results, as well as on the prices set by the galleries representing the artist or offering their works.

beside an artist

How to Estimate an Artist’s Market Value?

Estimating the price of a work is very complex. It follows clear rules when it comes to historical artists who have often passed through auction houses. But it is much harder to estimate for a living artist who has not yet been sold at auction. It is also common for gallery owners and dealers to put the works of the artists they decide to represent up for auction in order to establish a publicly available market value for them.

When the artist is already established in the art market:

The market value is determined by sales results achieved.
Values can climb during waves of enthusiasm for an artist, a style, or an approach depending on trends

  • contemporary art
  • street art
  • etc.

When it is a new artist who has not yet been offered at auction:

It is the dealer or gallery owner who estimates the price they want and can defend for the works.

The setting of this price is based on the quality of the works but also on the reputation of the gallery owner and the level of their clientele. A gallery owner’s or dealer’s brand image rests on their taste and their ability to spot and champion remarkable artists, to showcase their works and generate enthusiasm for their approach.

The factors that influence an artist's market value - IESA arts&culture

Factors that influence an artist’s market value:

  • The artistic value of the work: aesthetics, technique, innovation, style, etc.
  • The artist’s influence among the public and specialists.
  • The artist’s background and training.
  • The artist’s dynamism: exhibitions, collaborations, etc.
  • Current trends and fashions.
  • Supply and demand.
  • The rarity of the work.
  • The artist’s media profile.
  • The results of the auction sales.
  • The prices charged by galleries and art dealers.
  • Institutional purchases, presence in state collections or museums.

Where to find an artist’s market value?

Artists' market values correspond to their latest sale prices, and to find them you can consult:

  • Online databases that list artists and prices. Some are free and open, while others require you to create an account: Artprice.com, Blouin Art Sale, artnet.fr, auction.fr, Akoun, etc.
  • Reference works, which are directories of prices achieved: the Argus Valentine and the Guidargus de la peinture.
  • The websites of auction houses that announce their auction results: Drouot, Artcurial, Sotheby’s and Christie’s.

To find out the market value of a contemporary artist, you can also directly observe the prices at which the works are displayed:

  • At contemporary art fairs, such as FIAC, Art Basel or Paris Art Fair,
  • In galleries and from art dealers.

Mastering the art market: learn to estimate an artist’s market value with IESA

In the demanding world of art galleries and auction houses, expertise is the foundation of credibility. It is what earns the trust of buyers and sellers. IESA, a specialized higher education school, prepares the sector’s future professionals by combining a strong artistic culture with a perfect command of professional codes.

The sector’s core skills

Our programs allow you to simultaneously develop an in-depth knowledge of artworks and a strategic vision of the art world through six major pillars:

  • Identification & Periods: know and recognize artists and styles.
  • Expertise & Authentication: be able to verify the origin of a work.
  • Appraisal: set an artist’s market value and determine a consistent sale price.
  • Market analysis: master the players and factors that govern trade.

Immediate professional immersion

The art world has its own circuits and customs.
IESA’s teaching approach is based on hands-on immersion: internships, built into every program, benefit from privileged ties with the most prestigious institutions and dealers. This practical approach lets you absorb the codes of the profession from the very start of your studies.

A path of excellence from Bac to Bac+5

IESA offers specialized programs suited to every stage of your project: