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Summary
As of 2020, the global art and antiques market was valued at $50.1 billion, experiencing a 22% decline compared to the previous year, majorly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Auction sales, making up about 40% of this market share, saw a downturn, while art dealers and galleries managed to sustain $30.1 billion in sales. The United States, China, and the United Kingdom dominated over 80% of the market, with France holding a steady 6% share, translating to an estimated $2.8 billion for art dealers and galleries. The art photography sector, though a minor segment of the overall market, has been on an upward trend, with art photo prices rising significantly. The entry of digital platforms like Instagram and online galleries (such as Artsper and KazoArt) have influenced the market, offering more exposure and lower commission fees.
The French market, hosting prominent events like "Paris Photo," is a vital hub for art photography, contributing 12.5% to the segment globally. Expert independent channels and auction houses like Christie's and Sotheby's continue to be significant players in the trade of art photography in France. Regulations including copyright protection and auction house authentication procedures underline the sale of art photographs, with legal scales fixing tender rates for buyers.
Trends and Dynamics in the Demand for Art Photography
In examining the state of the art photography market within France, one notices that this particular sector represents only a minor facet of the broader photography industry. With a predominantly national client base, professional photographers encounter a variety of demand sources ranging from individuals to businesses and public institutions. The focus, however, is on French consumers, who account for an impressive approximate 90% of the clientele—with the remainder being an international audience more inclined towards auctions and high-stake sales of art photography. A breakdown by type of customer reveals that nearly two-thirds of photography sales are targeted towards national customers, reflective of an industry deeply rooted in serving local demand.
Significantly, the role of social networks, specifically Instagram, has augmented the visibility and appeal of art photography, fostering new interest and nurturing emerging talent. Despite the notable presence of social media platforms in shaping demand, traditional avenues such as auctions facilitated by recognized firms like Christie's and Sotheby's continue to play a dominant role in the sector. These established auction houses boast a certain prestige and expertise that underpin their significant involvement in the industry.
When it comes to the French cultural landscape, art photography has a relatively constrained audience. Only about 14% of the population reported visiting a photography exhibition, situating art photography as a relatively niche interest within the wider realm of visual arts. This implies that the potential for market growth may lie in increasing the accessibility and appeal of photography exhibitions to the general public. The surge in interest and value attached to art photography is evident from the price trends observed over the past couple of decades. From an average auction price of approximately $5,000 in 1990 to around $10,200 in more recent years, the increasing valuation of art photographs highlights a growing appreciation and willingness to invest in this form of art.
In summary, the art photography market in France, while modest in comparison to other art forms, demonstrates robustness through stable demand, a dedicated (though limited) customer base, and a clear trajectory of increasing valuation underscored by the impact of digital platforms, established auction houses, and a dedicated contingent of enthusiasts. Despite facing certain challenges in expanding its reach, the sector is poised for cautious optimism due to the persistent interest from collectors and the evolving opportunities afforded by social media and online sales platforms.
Key Players in the French Art Photography Market
The French art photography market emanates prestige and sophistication through its major players, a blend of traditional, high-end auction companies and innovative online galleries that have invigorated the scene. These names are not just entities; they represent the heritage and future of art photography in France.
- Auction Houses Leading the Artistic Conversation
- Christie's: With a history of influencing the art market and setting global trends, Christie's remains a colossus in the realm of art auctions. Renowned for its expertise, the company handles some of the most prestigious art photography portfolios and continues to fascinate collectors with remarkable pieces.
- Sotheby's: A paragon of fine art sales, Sotheby's is synonymous with luxury and exclusivity. Its auctions are often spectacles where the photography works of legendary artists are presented and sold, echoing its impeccable reputation in the art world.
- Artcurial: As a French institution itself, Artcurial fervently champions art photography with a keen eye for exceptional pieces. Their auctions are a testament to their dedication to both French and international photography.
- Piasa: This player maintains an intellectual approach to auctioning art photography, curating collections that are celebrated for their cultural significance and visual impact.
- Millon: Recognized for its diversified art sales, Millon often brings brilliant photographic art to the French market, garnering interest from both domestic and international collectors.
- Drouot: Steeped in history, Drouot operates as a nexus for art collectors seeking to acquire stunning photographic works through auction.
- Tajan: Offering a blend of traditional expertise with a modern touch, Tajan facilitates the acquisition of fine art photography, fostering a connection between the artwork and those who admire it.
- Aguttes: As a significant contender amongst French auction houses, Aguttes provides a curated selection of art photography, demonstrating its keen sense of the market's pulse.
- Christie's: With a history of influencing the art market and setting global trends, Christie's remains a colossus in the realm of art auctions. Renowned for its expertise, the company handles some of the most prestigious art photography portfolios and continues to fascinate collectors with remarkable pieces.
- Revolutionizing with Online Galleries
- Artsper: As a trailblazer in the online art market, Artsper brings together works from leading galleries around the world, democratizing access to art photography and catering to a contemporary audience.
- ArtPhotoLimited: A specialized platform that offers original and replicated art photos, ArtPhotoLimited capitalizes on the ease and accessibility of the internet to connect photography aficionados with prized pieces.
- Artsper: As a trailblazer in the online art market, Artsper brings together works from leading galleries around the world, democratizing access to art photography and catering to a contemporary audience.
to understand this market
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- Number of pages : 30 pages
- Format : Digital and PDF versions
- Last update : 15/07/2021
Summary and extracts
1 Market overview
1.1 Presentation and definition of the market
- manufacture and sales of cameras,
- photo lab activities (printing, cutting, assembly, etc.)
- activities of professional photographic agencies
- activities related to the art market (galleries, auction houses, etc.)
The world art market is growing, driven in particular by ever more substantial auction sales, as is also the case in France. The art photography market is no exception to this trend. The price indices for art photography are also rising significantly, even if the amount of their sale is marginal compared to the sales prices of other types of works
France occupies an important place on the world market of art photography. Numerous events take place such as the "Paris Photo" event or the World Photography Fair and the Rencontres d'Arles. However, photography exhibitions are less popular than modern or contemporary art exhibitions and this is a real challenge for the market, even if the practice of amateur art photography and the diffusion of art photos are largely stimulated by the social network platform Instagram. Digital and digital technology are indeed disrupting the sector as much as they are creating new opportunities. The growth of online distribution of art photos (original or replicated) and digital art galleries are also proof of this
The COVID-19 crisis had a differentiated effect on the art sector in general. In fact, unlike museums, the various art galleries kept their doors open during the health crisis, which kept activity stable throughout the period.
1.2 The art photography market is growing
In ****, global art and antiques sales were valued at $**.* billion, down **% from the previous year and **% from ****. As mentioned above, art auctions account for about **% of this market, which means that the subjects of this study, art dealers and galleries, account for the remaining **% [***]. The market for art dealers and galleries ...
1.3 The art photography market in France
France is considered by many to be the cultural capital of the world. It may therefore be surprising that (***) France only holds about *% of the world's art market, in terms of value, making it the fourth largest market in the world [***]. The world's major art markets World, ****-****, in billions of ...
2 Analysis of the demand
2.1 Art photography represents a small share of the demand for photography
Art photography represents a small part of the photography sector. Indeed, in general, the customers of professional photographers are multiple. Their activity is both in BtoC and BtoB. Indeed, the clientele of photographers includes companies wishing to develop their communication, public commissions, press publishers, individuals, illustration agencies or press agencies
Breakdown ...
2.2 The place of art photography in the cultural practices of the French
In France, according to CREDOC e n ****, more than half of those surveyed had neither visited a museum nor explored a temporary exhibition. Occasional visitors, those who visited a museum or exhibition once or twice in a year, accounted for **% of respondents.
Frequency of visits to exhibitions / museums in France France, ...
2.3 The impact of social networks on the development of the art photography market
Instagram has established itself as an essential tool for traditional actors in the art sector (***), as recalled in **** by the Huffington Post
But Instagram also plays a key role in the diffusion of the practice of art photography and in the emergence of new talents (***).
3 Market structure
3.1 The dominance of auction companies in the sector
The art photography market in France has its own structure and players a limited number of collectors and the intervention of art market agencies such as auction companies . Indeed, photography is the subject of expertise and annual auctions in prestigious firms such as Christie's or Sotheby's . The works are stored and ...
3.2 Independent experts are another major sales channel
According to the The Echos one of the major sales channels for works of art photography in France are the independent experts who sell from private agreement in exchange for a commission . The experts take care of to authenticate and photography and find a buyer . Some buyers prefer this method of ...
3.3 Les évolutions macroéconomiques du marché de la photographie
Si la photographie se porte bien et rencontre un succès croissant, les photographes rencontrent de nombreuses difficultés financières depuis plusieurs années. Plusieurs raisons concourent à ces difficultés, parmi lesquelles la principale est l'arrivée du numérique et la profusion d'images.
En effet, l'arrivée du numérique ...
4 Analysis of the offer
4.1 The price of art photographs has been rising steadily since the early 2000s
According to the Art Market Insight , the average price of an auctioned photograph was to **,***€ in **** against ** ***€ for a painting The price index has increased by **% between **** and ****, after reaching a peak in **** for art photography from the same source.
Evolution of the art photography price index between **** and ****
Source: ****
As ...
4.2 The development of actors selling art photos online
From many players are positioning themselves on the sale of original or replicated art photos online such as Artsper which lists and sells art photos from the world's leading art galleries, but also ArtPhotoLimited or KazoArt which is an online contemporary art gallery. However, the function of the Internet is still ...
4.3 La photographie d'art, une offre spécifique parmi d'autres
La description des activités photographiques par l'Insee fournit un aperçu des types d'offres proposées sur le marché. :
la production photographique réalisée à titre commercial ou privé : photographies d'identité, photographies de classe, de mariage, photographies publicitaires, d'édition, de mode, à des fins immobilières ou touristiques, photographie aérienne, ...
4.4 Les photographies d'art les plus chères
Les photographes dont les clichés dépassent de façon régulière le million de dollars aux enchères se comptent sur les doigts la main. Il y a l'Allemand Andreas Gursky, l'Américain Richard Prince et sa compatriote Cindy Sherman, ainsi que le duo britannique Gilbert & George. Ces ...
5 Regulation
5.1 Regulations governing the sale of art photographs
According to the the Union of Professional Photographers , the copyright is a derivative of the literary and artistic property aimed at protecting the author in his creative and distribution process . Since the *st er on July ****, copyright was codified and allowed the art photographer to benefit from it.
Similarly, each auction ...
6 Positioning of the actors
6.1 Segmentation
Major auction companies in France:
Christie's Sotheby's Artcurial Piasa Millon Drouot Tajan Aguttes
Online art photography sales galleries
Artsper ArtPhotoLimited KazoArt Catawaki
- Christie’s
- Sotheby’s
- Piasa
- Millon & associés
- Drouot L’Hotel
- Tajan
- Aguttes
- Artsper
- ArtPhotoLimited
- KazoArt
- Catawiki
- Art Photo Limited (Myposter group)
- Smart Photo
- GAD collection
- La Galerie Rouge
- Almendra
- Artphotoby - Sophie Leiser Galerie
- Galerie Lumière des Roses
- Galerie Vu'
- La Galerie de l'Instant
- Lumas
- YellowKorner
- Getty Images
List of charts
- Ventes mondiales des marchands et des galeries d'art
- Marché de l'art - Répartition des parts de marché, en valeur
- Les principaux marchés mondiaux d'art
- Chiffre d'affaires du marché des concessionnaires et des galeries d'art
- Évolution du marché de la photographie d'art
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Latest news
Drouot.com emancipates itself from the auction house - 18/03/2024
Proceeds auctioned to Internet users in 2023: 344 million euros, representing a 3.5-fold increase in 4 years.
- Online sales in 2023: - 1,400 auctions.
- - Number of registered bidders 290,000.
- - Goods sold : 204,000 lots.
Customer base:
- - average age of Drouot.com account holders 45.
- - Share of professional buyers down from 31% to 23%, in favor of private buyers.
- - 58% of buyers come from France, with strong representation from the USA, UK and Belgium.
Expansion of the platform:
- - 785 homes for sale by 2023, representing a two-fold increase in 4 years.
- - One in three sales by a foreign player.
- - 170 European houses, excluding France and Belgium, conducted 1,800 sales in 2023.
- - Nearly 60 houses operating outside the European Union, from around ten countries.
Competition:
- - Interenchères saw its live and online art sales increase by 5%, totaling 248 million euros.
- - Drouot.com faces several international competitors, including Lot-Tissimo in Germany and The Saleroom in England.
Getty launches its own artificial intelligence image generator - 26/09/2023
- Getty Images competes with image generators such as Midjourney and DALL-E.
- Getty Images relies on generative AI trained on its own image base, not on billions of images extracted from the web like its competitors.
- Getty's image database does not contain photos of celebrities or brands.
- Getty Images has around 830,000 customers. Getty promises an AI that masters the legal rules of each country and totally eliminates legal risks.
New YellowKorner galleries. - 27/10/2022
- Number of galleries worldwide: 150 galleries
- Presence in nearly 30 countries
- Two new galleries recently opened: La Réunion (France) and St Germain-en-Laye (Île-de-France)
- Over 300 artists and their creations presented in limited editions
- Gallery architect and designer: Gérard Barrau
- Profile sought for future partners: entrepreneur, manager, commercial and customer focus, passion for sales and art photography
- Average time to open a YellowKorner gallery: 6 months
Guillaume CANNAT: "Stars" at GADCOLLECTION - 17/06/2022
- Dates of Guillaume Cannat's exhibition: June 8 to July 21, 2022.
- Number of photographs in the exhibition: 9.
- Year of birth of Guillaume Cannat: 1962.
- Number of years Guillaume Cannat has been observing the sky: 40 years.
- GADCOLLECTION gallery address: 4 rue du Pont Louis-Philippe.
Guillaume CANNAT: "Stars" at GADCOLLECTION - 17/06/2022
- Exhibition Guillaume CANNAT "La tête dans les Étoiles" from June 8 to July 21, 2022.
- 9 photographs presented for the first time at Galerie GADCOLLECTION.
- Guillaume CANNAT is a French photographer, born in 1962.
Damart inherits YellowKorner - 02/08/2021
- YellowKorner will have 150 stores worldwide by the end of 2021, two-thirds of them franchises.
- The Despature family has acquired a majority stake in YellowKorner. - YellowKorner generates sales of around 40 million euros and employs 300 people.
- The Despature family fortune was estimated at 2.5 billion euros in 2020, putting them in 38th place among French fortunes according to "Challenges".
- YellowKorner plans to open a further 25 stores in 2021, notably in Northern Europe and China.
- The company aims to turn its Zeinberg printing laboratory in Krakow into a second major business.
- YellowKorner aims to increase its digital sales, which currently account for 30% of its turnover, to almost 50% within three to five years.
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The art photography market | France
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