Estates & Collections
Coyne Fine Art helps families and their advisors handle art in an estate, trust, or collection transition.
The first step is to identify which works need closer attention, whether private sale or auction makes sense, and what should be resolved before a decision is made.
Discuss a collection
One collection may call for more than one kind of sale.
Some collections are best sold as a whole. Others should be divided: selected works sold privately, others sent to the auction house best suited to them, and the remainder sold another way.
Coyne Fine Art can identify works that need closer attention, compare private-sale and auction options, and recommend a practical plan for the rest.
Private sale or dealer placement
For works that benefit from a targeted conversation with a collector, institution, or dealer rather than a public sale.
Auction
For material better suited to competitive bidding, with attention to the house, department, timing, estimate, and terms—not simply the largest name.
Sell the collection as a whole
For collections better handled in one sale, especially when speed or simplicity matters.
A work-by-work plan
For collections likely to do better when the strongest works are separated and the balance is handled through other appropriate channels.
How Coyne Fine Art can work.
Advisory, consignment, and direct purchase are separate arrangements. The role is agreed before work begins.
Advisory
Coyne Fine Art reviews the material and circumstances, identifies what warrants attention, compares realistic routes, and recommends next steps. An advisory engagement does not include acting as buyer or selling agent unless a separate role is later agreed.
Consignment or brokerage
Coyne Fine Art acts for the owner in arranging a sale under a separate written agreement that states the scope, commission, and other terms.
Direct acquisition
Coyne Fine Art may make an offer for selected works or, in the right circumstances, a collection as a whole. For those works, Coyne is the buyer and is not providing independent advice on the offer.
Coyne Fine Art does not provide formal appraisals or legal, tax, or fiduciary advice. If a qualified appraisal or another outside specialist is needed, that work is separate.
Working with families and professional advisors
Coyne Fine Art can speak directly with a family or work alongside an executor, trustee, attorney, fiduciary, accountant, or wealth advisor already involved in the transition.
The work may be limited to reviewing the collection, comparing auction proposals, offering a second opinion on where to sell, or planning the sale of a larger group of works. Fees or commissions depend on the work and are agreed in writing before it begins.
A catalogue is not required to start.
An existing inventory, appraisal, or representative photographs are useful if available. They can follow after the first conversation. A general description of the collection and what needs to be decided is enough to begin.
Before getting in touch.
Is a complete inventory required before getting in touch?
No. An existing inventory, appraisal, or a few representative photographs are useful if available, but they are not required for an initial conversation.
Is this a formal appraisal?
No. Coyne Fine Art does not provide formal appraisals or legal, tax, or fiduciary advice. If a qualified appraisal or another outside specialist is needed, that work is separate.
Can Coyne Fine Art buy or consign works from a collection?
Yes, when the material is a fit. Consignment or brokerage is handled under a separate written agreement. If Coyne Fine Art makes a direct offer, Coyne is acting as the buyer for those works, not as an independent advisor.
How is the work compensated?
Compensation depends on the role and scope. Advisory, consignment or brokerage, and direct acquisition are different arrangements; any fee or commission is agreed in writing before work begins.
Selling one painting, print, or work on paper? Visit Sell or consign a work.