Two of the biggest names in auction sales, the venerable Sotheby’s and digital pioneer eBay, said they are joining forces to make it easier to buy antiques, collectibles and works of fine art online.
The two firms plan to stream selected auctions with live bidding in real time late this year or early next year from Sotheby’s New York headquarters.
The deal will connect the 270-year-old Sotheby’s, with its extensive inventory of fine art, antiques, books, jewels, watches and furniture, with eBay’s 145 million active buyers around the world.
“We are joining with eBay to make our sales more accessible to the broadest possible audience around the world,” Bruno Vinciguerra, Sotheby’s chief operating officer, said in a statement on Monday.
Traditional evening auctions, where contemporary or Impressionist works of art can sell for US$50 million and more, will not be included on eBay.
Auctions from other locations – such as London, Hong Kong, Paris or Geneva – could follow in the future.