Alcalá Subastas

About Alcalá Subastas

Alcalá Subastas is a fine art and antiques auction house based at Calle Núñez de Balboa 9 in Madrid's Salamanca district. The house describes its approach as both commercial and research-led, with a strong emphasis on cataloguing. Its sales combine Old Master paintings, modern and contemporary art, decorative arts and jewellery.

The house states that it follows a policy of transparency so that clients have clear and complete information when judging the quality of its catalogue entries. It works with Spanish and foreign collectors as well as national and international institutions.

History

Alcalá Subastas began holding auctions in 1999. Its research work has led to discoveries of works important to Spanish collecting and heritage. The house cites a signed still life by Michel de Pret, a painter who was practically unknown until then, as one example.

It also cites two previously unpublished paintings by Francisco de Goya, Tobías y el Ángel and La Sagrada Familia, which are now in the Museo del Prado. Old Master painting was its first strength. The house says its decorative arts and modern and contemporary painting departments have since developed along the same lines, and it has more recently opened a jewellery department.

What Alcalá Subastas sells

Catalogues are organised by department. A typical sale runs across several sessions and mixes Spanish and European paintings with furniture, silver and jewellery. Recent featured lots have ranged from 17th-century Spanish school portraits and still lifes to works by Santiago Rusiñol, Manuel Rivera, Rafael Canogar, Jaume Plensa and Salvador Dalí.

• Old Master paintings: Spanish, Flemish, Italian and Central European schools
• 19th-century painting: Spanish artists such as Rusiñol and Benedito
• Modern and contemporary art: painting, sculpture and works on paper
• Decorative arts: period furniture, silver and objects
• Jewellery: diamond, ruby and turquoise pieces, pendants, necklaces and brooches

Selling at Alcalá Subastas

Consignors agree a starting price with the house, and this acts as the minimum sale price. According to the house's selling terms, the seller's commission is 13% of the hammer price plus applicable taxes. A catalogue inclusion fee of between €3 and €120, depending on the estimate, is deducted from the proceeds when the lot sells.

The house covers collection within Madrid, insurance, storage and photography, while return transport is paid by the seller. Proceeds are paid within 30 days of the sale, once the buyer has paid. Unsold lots may be offered again after 30 days at 60% of the original starting price.

Buying and bidding

The buyer's premium is 24.2% of the hammer price, VAT included. Bids can be placed in the room, in writing until 2:00 pm on the day of the sale, by telephone at the house's discretion, or live online. Online bidders must register and have their account verified by 12:00 noon on the sale day.

Payment is due within seven days by bank transfer, card, cash within legal limits or Spanish cheque. American Express payments carry a 1.5% surcharge. After seven days, storage is charged at €2 per lot per day. Lots are sold in the condition seen at the viewing, and returns are not accepted for restorations, defects or breakages.

Location and viewing

The saleroom is at Calle Núñez de Balboa 9, 28001 Madrid. Lots go on public view at least seven days before each auction. During viewing periods the house opens on weekday mornings and afternoons and on Saturday mornings, and it is closed on Sundays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the buyer's premium at Alcalá Subastas?

The hammer price is increased by 24.2% as the house's fee, with VAT included in that figure.

Can I bid online at Alcalá Subastas?

Yes. Registered bidders can bid live online, as long as their account is verified by noon on the day of the sale. Written and telephone bids are also accepted.

How much does it cost to sell at Alcalá Subastas?

The seller's commission is 13% of the hammer price plus taxes, plus a catalogue fee of €3 to €120 that is charged only when the lot sells.