Frequently Asked Questions About Our Marquee Auctions

By Sotheby's

When is the Sotheby’s sale of the Ginny Williams Collection?
June 29

When is the Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Auction?
June 29

When is the Sotheby’s Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale?
June 29

The three sales will take place consecutively, beginning at 6:30 PM EDT with The Ginny Williams Collection Evening Sale. There is no stated start time for the Contemporary Art Evening Auction or Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale. There will be a break of approximately five minutes between each auction.

How do I register to bid?
You may register online on the sale page for the auction or you can contact the BIDS Department at bids.newyork@sothebys.com or +1 212 606 7414.

Do I need to register in advance of the auction?
Yes, please contact the NY BIDS Department: +1 212 606 7414 or bids.newyork@sothebys.com

How do I register an absentee bid?
You can register an absentee bid either by placing your maximum bid on your lot(s) via sothebys.com or our app; or by emailing the BIDS Department at bids.newyork@sothebys.com.

How do I register a phone bid?
You can register a telephone bid either by registering via sothebys.com or our app; or by emailing the BIDS Department at bids.newyork@sothebys.com with your lots and best contact numbers. If someone will bid on your behalf, please ensure that you have formally authorized that bidding agent.

How do I register to bid online?
Please visit sothebys.com and then follow the instructions on the relevant sale page. You will need to register for each specific sale you are online bidding in.


Is it possible to attend the sale?
This season, it is not possible for clients to attend the auctions in New York due to restrictions related to Covid-19.

Do I need a ticket or invitation to view the sales?
No. Tickets will not be issued. We will be sending a series of emails to clients that include reminders about the auction date and start time as well as reminders to register.

How do I watch the auction? What if I just want to watch the auction – can I do that?
You can watch the auction on Sothebys.com or the on the Sotheby’s app whether or not you are bidding.

Is there an exhibition for these auctions?
There is a full exhibition installed in Sotheby’s New York galleries. To visit the exhibition please make an appointment by emailing AppointmentsNY@sothebys.com or by calling +1 212 606 7171. If you are unable to come to the exhibition, you can view Sotheby’s virtual exhibition for each auction by visiting their respective overview pages. There is also high-definition video in the digital catalogues for every lot on offer. These dynamic features make it easier than ever before to learn about a work of art if you are unable to see it in person.

How will the auction work if there is no audience?
The auctions will work as they normally would – with most bidding in evening sales taking place over the phone through Sotheby’s representatives. For our clients, bidding in these auctions should not feel noticeably different. You will also be able to bid online.

How can I find out what is in each sale?
By viewing the catalogue for each sale. The digital catalogue for each sale features in-depth scholarly cataloguing for each lot, comparable images, extensive video coverage of every artwork as well as other interactive features that will help you learn about the works on offer.

There are three sales in one evening – will there be any break or pause between auctions?
There will be a five-minute pause between each auction.

Do I have to watch the sale online if I’m bidding over the phone with a Sotheby’s representative?
No, you do not.

Can I register to bid via my bidding agent? What is the procedure?
Should you wish for your bidding agent to bid on your behalf in the sale, you should inform your Relationship Manager who will provide you with appropriate authorization documentation.

If I need assistance during the auctions, who should I call?
If you need assistance bidding during the live auction, please call the New York BIDS Department directly at +1 212 606 7414. If you need assistance with the HD live stream (viewing and not bidding), please call the Client Care Team at +1 212 606 7000.

Where are the artworks located and shipped from?
The artworks will be located in, and will be available for release from, New York City.

Can I pick up my property in person?
Yes, property will be available for in-person pick up as of Monday 6 July.

Should I expect any delays in shipping due to Covid-19?
Due to varying safety regulations in response to Covid-19, please be advised that there could be delays in shipping depending on the final destination of your property.

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