Frequently Asked Questions

• When is the best time to sell my African art?

  Sotheby's African Art continually attracts collectors and new buyers from New York, London and around the world. We invite consignments of African photographs, paintings and sculpture created by artists including Ben Enwonwu, Gerard Sekoto, Ibrahim El Salahi, Yusuf Grillo, Irma Stern, Skunder Boghossian, Uzo Egonu, William Kentridge, Julie Mehretu, Abdoulaye Konate, Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga, Nicholas Hlobo and others. Our marquee sales of contemporary and modern African art occur in London, and we also include African art in contemporary sales in New York and online. When you submit your artwork online, our specialists can discuss with you the best location and auction for your special piece.
• Does Sotheby's sell traditional African sculpture and art?

  Yes, Sotheby's also holds sales of classical African and Oceanic art. For more information on selling a traditional African work of art, click here .
• What is the cost of a Sotheby's appraisal of my contemporary or modern African art?

  Sotheby's does not provide appraisals but rather we offer estimate evaluations for items we believe we can sell. Our auction estimate valuations are complimentary and do not cost you anything. We review all submissions and provide valuations for any African photographs, paintings, or sculpture we believe we can sell at auction. We will inform you if your art is not a good fit for a Sotheby's Contemporary and Modern African Art auction.
• Who are the top-selling artists in contemporary and modern African art auctions?

  Our specialists are always seeking works by the biggest-name artists from the continent, such as Ibrahim El-Salahi, El Anatsui, Yinka Shonibare, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Hassan Hajjaj, William Kentridge and Julie Mehretu. Works by new emerging artists, such as Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Mohau Modisakeng, Eddy Ilunga Kamuanga, Léonce Raphael Agbodjelou and Pascale Marthine Tayou are also beginning to sell on the secondary market.