What commission do art galleries typically take?

Gallery commissions on primary sales, meaning new work sold for living artists, are often around 40% to 50% of the sale price, though arrangements vary. The commission covers the gallery's rent, staff, marketing, openings, and the relationships it builds with collectors.

For consignments of secondary-market work, such as a painting you inherited, commissions may be negotiated differently depending on the value of the piece and the gallery's expected effort. Some agreements also address who pays for framing, shipping, insurance, and promotional materials, which can affect what you actually receive.

Always get the commission and any added costs in writing before handing over work. Compare the gallery's commission with alternatives, such as selling through an auction company, but also consider what the gallery brings in terms of audience and sales ability. A lower commission is not always the better deal.