Best Auction Houses & Dealers in the Netherlands
The best Dutch auction houses compared — Venduehuis der Notarissen, AAG, and Zeeuws Veilinghuis. Old Masters, Asian art, Delftware, fees, and how to sell at auction in the Netherlands.
The Dutch Auction Market
The Netherlands punches far above its size in the art and antiques world, a legacy of its Golden Age wealth and centuries of global trade. Dutch salerooms are a natural home for Old Master paintings, Delftware, silver, and — thanks to the Dutch East India Company's history — some of Europe's finest Asian art and Chinese export porcelain.
Venduehuis der Notarissen, founded in The Hague in 1811, is the oldest auction house in the country and holds more than 40 sales a year across fine art, silver, jewellery, and ceramics. In Amsterdam, AAG (Arts & Antiques Group) — successor to the historic Glerum house — covers Old Masters, modern and contemporary art, and Asian works. Zeeuws Veilinghuis in Middelburg has built an international reputation for Asian art, Chinese porcelain, and the works of M.C. Escher.
As an EU member, the Netherlands applies the margin scheme for VAT on most second-hand goods, so tax falls on the auction house's commission rather than the full hammer price. Buyer's premiums at Dutch houses typically range from 25-30%. Reputable houses guide sellers through any export-licence requirements for older or culturally significant works.
Dutch auction houses at a glance
10 houses compared by city, age, specialties and buyer's premium. Seller commission is usually agreed per consignment, so ask each house for a quote.
| Auction house | City | Founded | Known for | Buyer's premium | Online bidding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAG - Arts & Antiques Group | Amsterdam | 2004 | Fine Art & Paintings, Silver & Gold, Fine Jewelry & Gems | 29.6% up to EUR 20,000; 25% to EUR 200,000; 20% above (VAT on premium... | Yes |
| Bubb Kuyper Auctions | Haarlem | 1986 | Books & Manuscripts | 27.3% incl. all taxes for EU buyers; 22.5% outside the EU or with EU V... | Yes |
| Catawiki | Amsterdam | 2008 | Vintage Collectibles, Fine Art & Paintings, Watches & Timepieces | No traditional buyer's premium. Buyers pay a Buyer Protection fee, usu... | Yes |
| Schulman b.v. | Amsterdam | 1880 | Coins & Currency | 24% of the hammer price; extra 3% for lots bought via Schulman's live... | Yes |
| Van Sabben Poster Auctions | Hoorn | 1991 | Vintage Collectibles | 22.5% plus 21% VAT on the premium for EU residents (27.2% incl. VAT);... | Yes |
| Veilinggebouw De Zwaan | Amsterdam | 1818 | Fine Art & Paintings, Fine Jewelry & Gems, Ceramics & Porcelain | 29.5% of the hammer price incl. VAT; resale right where applicable | Yes |
| Veilinghuis Onder de Boompjes | Leiden | — | Fine Art & Paintings, Antique Furniture | 30% of the hammer price plus 1 euro table fee per lot; resale right wh... | Yes |
| Veilinghuis Van Spengen | Hilversum | 1946 | Fine Art & Paintings, Ceramics & Porcelain, Silver & Gold | 29% of the hammer price plus 0.50 euros per lot (margin scheme, no VAT... | Yes |
| Venduehuis der Notarissen | The Hague | 1811 | Fine Art & Paintings, Fine Jewelry & Gems, Ceramics & Porcelain | 30% of hammer up to EUR 100,000, 24% above; +5% via Invaluable, +3% vi... | Yes |
| Zeeuws Veilinghuis | Middelburg | — | Fine Art & Paintings, Ceramics & Porcelain, Silver & Gold | 28% of the hammer price, plus artist's resale right where applicable | Yes |
AAG - Arts & Antiques Group
Auction HouseAmsterdam auction house for art, antiques and wine, formed in 2004 when Talita Teves took over the former Glerum house.
Bubb Kuyper Auctions
Auction HouseHaarlem auctioneer of books, manuscripts, prints and drawings, established in 1986 and holding two sales a year.
Catawiki
Auction HouseEurope's leading curated online auction marketplace for special objects across 80+ collecting categories.
Schulman b.v.
Auction HouseAmsterdam coin auction house founded in 1880, specialising in Dutch numismatics, world and ancient coins, medals and paper money.
Van Sabben Poster Auctions
Auction HouseHoorn auction house founded in 1991 and devoted to original vintage posters, the only such specialist in the Netherlands.
Veilinggebouw De Zwaan
Auction HouseAmsterdam's oldest auction house, dating from 1818, holding three general art and antiques sales a year on the Keizersgracht.
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Veilinghuis Onder de Boompjes
Auction HouseLeiden auction house for art, antiques and design, holding four timed online sales a year from its premises on the edge of the city.
Veilinghuis Van Spengen
Auction HouseHilversum auction house founded in 1946, holding five timed online art and antiques sales a year with some 18,000 lots.
Venduehuis der Notarissen
Auction HouseThe Netherlands' oldest auction house, founded by The Hague's notaries in 1811 and still selling from Nobelstraat 5.
Zeeuws Veilinghuis
Auction HouseMiddelburg auction house specialising in Indonesian and Asian art, M.C. Escher and silver, with an intake office in Amsterdam.
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