Can anyone sale a painting at a big art auction house like "Christies (sp?)

Question:

Can anyone sale a painting at a big art auction house like "Christies (sp?) or Sotherby's (sp?)??

My father had a painting by a famous Dutch painter named Pieter de Ring done around 1640. My father is now deceased and the estate would like to sale the painting. It is in great shape (as far as I know about old art) for something 350 years old. Any serious responses will be appreciated. Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

It all depends, if you discuss it with them they can say if they're interested or not, going on their experience of the current state of the market, what's selling and what isn't. They often ask you, at least in the first instance, to send in a photo and any corroborating paperwork (provenance papers) you might have. Or you could just make an appointment with a specialist and carry it in.

If the big houses aren't interested they usually suggest you contact one of the smaller houses, they'll usually tell you why and give you the contact details.

A word of advice, just last year my friend placed a painting for sale with an auction house (best not say which), he was an executor and it was the express wish of the deceased that the proceeds were go to a particular charity. The auction house lost the painting(!) and my friend had no redress as it had never been valued, not even by the auction house. True, it was never an "important" painting, but still... It was really distressing, they wouldn't answer letters or calls, and eventually offered my friend peanuts for it.

If your painting is really valuable, think about insuring it before you put it in someone else's hands, and read their small print "Terms and Conditions". Good luck.