Why I Like Going to Auctions

Edmund Blair-Leighton
Godspeed (1900)
63 X 45³⁄₈ in.
oil on canvas

Godspeed (Lot 187) sold in New York City on April 18, 2007 for $1,048,000 USD

Tonight, I was reminded why I like go to fine-art auction previews when I watched Sotheby's video "The Spectacular 19th Century."  This short film runs under three minutes, but in that time, it showcases an often brilliant collection of artworks which have passed through the auction house's New York City facility during the past five years.  For many of these works, the auction house serves as the only public viewing these pieces are likely to get, so by attending the previews I have been treated to favorite paintings, such as Edmund Blair-Leighton's Godspeed, which I might not have otherwise been able to see in person.

If you cannot make it to the auction previews, there is always the sale catalog, a poor substitute, which, unfortunately, has become a quite pricey alternative in the recent years - there is even a market for used catalogs, when a decade ago, they could be picked up for free after the sale was over.  If you have an iPad, however, Sotheby's has now made their catalogs available for free, easy, interactive viewing.  

The Sotheby's Catalogue App is available for free download from iTunes, with plans for all of this year's catalogs to be available as each sale's lots are finalized.  Once a particular catalog is uploaded through the app, navigation is quick and simple, and best of all, the image of each lot in the catalog can be enlarged and manipulated with just a simple tap on the screen.  The digital versions of the upcoming 19th Century European Art sale, and the Orientalist sale should be included soon, and I look forward to 

adding them to my iPad.