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What is a Listed Artist?

As you scroll through stories about art & antiques, you may have stumbled across the term "listed artist." What & who is a "listed artist?If you look up the term "listed artist" in a dictionary, you will probably find a definition that says: "a term commonly used by appraisers to describe an artist who is ‘listed’ in standard art reference books.”However, the term has a more nuanced meaning for auction houses and appraisers.When determining the fair market value of artist's works, it is imperative to research their auction results. An appraiser will need to see if an artist has an auction track record. By checking previous results, appraisers can make comparisons to the art they appraise.Simply put, listed artists have numerous public auction sale records.One auction "listing" is not enough to consider someone a "listed artist." A listed artist will also be found on online art databases.It can be particularly hard for contemporary artists to make their mark in the secondary auction world. An artist can still be successful selling in galleries, but not at auction. However, some there are a select number of living artists who gain favor in the gallery and auction market. For instance, local New Jersey artist Robert Waltsak sells at galleries in NJ, NY, & CT, as well as at auction houses. Waltsak is a "listed artist" New Jersey should be proud to call its own! If you would like to meet "Bob" or purchase one of his works of art, visit our Magnusson Estate Sale & Preview Receptions on Friday-Saturday, May 19th-20th. Learn More


Co-Authors: Lynn Magnusson, ASA, AAA and Becky Lipnick, Communications Coordinator