6 Questions Every New Art Buyer Should Ask a Gallery

Galleries are a crucial gateway to discovering and purchasing art. They platform new artists and nurture their careers, helping to build their audience and sell their works to buyers.

But to the uninitiated, galleries can appear inaccessible. Galleries are often quiet, sterile spaces. Some art enthusiasts might not realize that galleries have public hours and are free to enter.

These barriers to entry can help perpetuate an air of exclusivity, but speaking with a gallery is important to understand how to make the best choices when it comes to collecting at any level. This information is particularly important for new buyers: The best way to know how and what to buy is to ask questions.

“There are no stupid questions,” said Joseph Clarke, gallery director of Anima Mundi. “Ignorance isn’t about not knowing the answer; it is about not asking the question.”

Ultimately, the more knowledge a buyer gains, the better equipped they are to build a collection that suits their interests and budget.

Here are six questions every new collector should ask a gallery, whether visiting in person or interacting online.

It might sound simple, but asking the price of an artist’s work can be necessary, as it’s well known that many galleries don’t advertise this information.

“The ‘smokescreens’ of the art world can create an intimidating environment, the result of which is indignation or a clamming up of the viewer,” said Clarke. Omitting prices is often viewed as a tactic to lend an air of mystery and purported importance to a work.

Still, having to ask for an artwork’s price can present an opportunity to connect with galleries.

“When I first started collecting, all I would see were the lists with no prices and I thought it was some kind of secret, or that it was impolite to inquire about pricing,” said Ellen-Blair Chube, a collector and trustee of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. “But you have to understand the market for any artist if you are going to consider it for your collection, and if it fits in your budget, so just ask!”

Even if the particular work isn’t a fit, knowing how it is priced can provide a point of reference when looking at other works by an artist. Understanding pricing is particularly important for buyers considering artworks as investments, as galleries can offer confidence in the long-term value.

It is also useful to ask how a gallery determined the price, and a reputable dealer should be able to provide context and comparables.

For secondary market artworks, meaning those with prior ownership, it’s important to ask a gallery about provenance. “For buyers considering works on the secondary market, asking about provenance is crucial,” said Madelyn Jordon, founder of Madelyn Jordon Fine Art.

Provenance refers to an artwork’s record of ownership and can be a guide to its authenticity and quality. When asked, a gallery should be able to provide the names and locations of previous owners, as well as when and where they purchased the work, tracing how the piece changed hands over time. “Provenance provides insight into the artwork’s history, which can influence its significance and value,” said Jordon. “Inquire whether the piece has been part of prominent collections, as this can enhance its desirability.”

The amount of information on particular artworks can vary, but a good gallery will ensure as much as possible is available. “A reputable gallery often has a direct relationship with the artist or their estate, which ensures transparency and traceability—aspects that are not always guaranteed when buying at auction, for example,” said Mark Hachem, founder of Mark Hachem Gallery. Knowing the provenance is key to ensuring a piece is being lawfully sold now and has been throughout its history.

Art buyers should ask about the condition of a work, another factor that is increasingly important when buying on the secondary market. Dealers can provide condition reports, which include details of any damage or wear documented in writing and sometimes with accompanying photographs. These reports can also include details on how to live with the work itself.

“We recently worked with a first-time collector who was considering acquiring a kinetic sculpture,” said Hachem, referring to sculptures that have moving components, such as a windmill. “They initially fell in love with the aesthetic, but had concerns about the technical upkeep. Our team explained the condition and mechanical elements of the work, and offered long-term support, including future maintenance and potential restoration.”

Similar to provenance, the exhibition history of an artwork can enrich its legacy if, for example, an artist or piece has been on view in a major museum.

“I’d ask: What group exhibitions has this artist been in?,” said Peter Bentley Brandt, a collector and arts patron who serves on several boards and committees, including the Education Committee at the Guggenheim Museum. “These shows illustrate who is really paying attention to the artist, which includes other galleries, museums, curators, and collectors.”

Knowing who is exhibiting an artist can also shed light on the longevity of their career. “I’ve seen plenty of artists whose markets took off quickly, only to stall out just as fast,” Brandt explained. “On the other hand, I’ve followed artists who were quietly included in meaningful programs and exhibitions—maybe not in the spotlight right away, but gradually building a foundation. Years later, their work has held up and matured, often with strong backing from collectors and institutions.”

While an artwork’s market value is important to understand—and might be the leading factor for some buyers—it’s also beneficial to know the intentions of an artist. Asking questions like why an artist made a work and what message they hope to convey can help buyers learn more about potential acquisitions.

“It is important to us that the collector has a relationship with the work of art that resonates beyond the surface level to reach that deeper human level,” said Clarke. “As a gallery, we are a conduit to establish that relationship. The ability to add clarity, honesty, and an unguarded openness, so that the collector can understand the ‘whys’ that lay beneath the ‘whats’ is a huge part of our role.”

Clarke suggested asking questions that “contemplate the symbolic, psychological, spiritual, or emotional depths” of an artwork.

Buyers should form relationships with galleries to ensure that they are reputable and have the best interests of both the artist and the buyer in mind. “It’s important to consider a gallery in the broader ecosystem of the art world,” said Brandt. “Is the gallery engaging with curators, institutions, or international clients and advisors? Active participation and purposeful relationship building beyond a local collector base often point to a program of merit and long-term relevance.”

Asking questions of a gallery also ensures that a dealer is invested in an artist’s career. Chube suggested asking: “How long have you been working with this artist? What about their work spoke to you, and how do they fit into your overall program? What do you see or hope for the trajectory of this artist over the next year, three years, five years, beyond? Understanding the gallery’s approach, motivation, and how they treat or speak about their artists is important.”

Moreover, galleries should want to sell to reputable clients, which can protect artists from unscrupulous resale practices. “Many galleries ‘place’ certain pieces with collectors who they think are serious about the artist and will give the work a good home,” Chube said. “You don’t know the answers to these questions just by dropping by a booth once. Spend the time to develop relationships, enjoy the learning process!”