Best Auction Houses & Dealers in Spain
The best Spanish auction houses compared — Durán, Ansorena, Setdart, and Balclis. Spanish Old Masters, jewellery, decorative arts, fees, and how to sell at auction in Spain.
Spain's Auction Market
Spain's auction scene is anchored by Madrid and Barcelona, two cities with deep collecting traditions rooted in the country's rich artistic heritage — from Spanish Old Masters and religious art to Modernist design and fine jewellery.
In Madrid, Durán Arte y Subastas (founded 1969) is among the country's oldest and most respected houses, holding regular sales of fine art, jewellery, silver, and decorative arts. Ansorena — founded in 1845 and jeweller to the Spanish Royal Household — remains a family-run institution and a reference point for jewellery and fine art. In Barcelona, Setdart and Balclis serve a strong regional market spanning painting, design, and collectibles.
As an EU member, Spain applies the VAT margin scheme to most second-hand goods. Buyer's premiums typically range from 23-25% including VAT. Sellers of older or nationally significant works should be aware of Spain's cultural-heritage export rules (Patrimonio Histórico), which reputable houses help navigate.
Spanish 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abalarte Subastas | Madrid | — | Fine Art & Paintings, Books & Manuscripts | 22% of hammer price, VAT included | Yes |
| Alcalá Subastas | Madrid | 1999 | Fine Art & Paintings, Antique Furniture | 24.2% of hammer price, VAT included | Yes |
| Ansorena | Madrid | 1845 | Fine Art & Paintings, Fine Jewelry & Gems, Watches & Timepieces | 20.66% + VAT (25% total) up to EUR 1,000 hammer; 19.01% + VAT (23% tot... | Yes |
| Balclis | Barcelona | 1979 | Fine Art & Paintings, Fine Jewelry & Gems, Ceramics & Porcelain | Buyer's premium applies; see sale conditions | Yes |
| Durán Arte y Subastas | Madrid | 1969 | Fine Art & Paintings, Fine Jewelry & Gems, Books & Manuscripts | 23% of the hammer price, VAT included (room and online auctions) | Yes |
| Isbilya Subastas | Seville | — | Fine Art & Paintings | 18% plus VAT (21.78% VAT included) | Yes |
| Setdart | Barcelona | 2004 | Fine Art & Paintings, Antique Furniture, Fine Jewelry & Gems | 21% + VAT on the premium | Yes |
| Soler y Llach | Barcelona | 1989 | Coins & Currency, Books & Manuscripts, Vintage Collectibles | 22% including VAT (18.18% plus VAT), plus shipping | Yes |
| Subastas Segre | Madrid | — | Fine Art & Paintings, Fine Jewelry & Gems, Watches & Timepieces | 18% plus VAT on the commission (21.78% total) | Yes |
| Tauler & Fau | Madrid | — | Coins & Currency | 20% of hammer price, VAT included | Yes |
Abalarte Subastas
Auction HouseMadrid saleroom on Calle Juan Bravo selling Old Masters, decorative arts, jewellery and rare books; sold a Velázquez for €8m in 2017.
Alcalá Subastas
Auction HouseMadrid auction house on Núñez de Balboa, active since 1999, selling Old Masters, modern art, decorative arts and jewellery.
Ansorena
Auction HouseMadrid jeweller founded in 1845 and royal jeweller since 1860, holding monthly art and jewellery auctions since 1974.
Balclis
Auction HouseBarcelona's reference auction house for fine art, antique jewelry, and Asian art, trusted by leading Spanish museums.
Durán Arte y Subastas
Auction HouseMadrid auction house founded in 1969 by the Durán brothers, holding numbered sales of art, jewellery, books and more at Calle Goya 19.
Isbilya Subastas
Auction HouseSeville auction house selling Old Master paintings, jewellery, contemporary art and decorative arts, with live online bidding.
Selling from Spain?
Find out what your item is worth before choosing an auction house or dealer.
Setdart
Auction HouseSpain's leading online auction house, offering fine art, antiques, jewelry, and luxury items from Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia.
Soler y Llach
Auction HouseBarcelona specialist auction house since 1989 for stamps, coins, banknotes, rare books, maps and posters; part of Bolaffi.
Subastas Segre
Auction HouseMadrid auction house on Calle Segre known for contemporary painting, jewellery and watches, with live online bidding.
Tauler & Fau
Auction HouseMadrid coin auction house co-founded by Jacobo Fau and Rafael Tauler, holding monthly online sales from ancient Greece to the euro.
For Spanish auction houses & dealers
6,200+ valuations a month — be the house sellers find
Claim your listing free, or ask to be listed — free too.
Browse Spain Specialists by Category
Find auction houses and dealers in Spain specialising in your type of item.