im Kinsky

About im Kinsky

im Kinsky is a Vienna auction house founded in 1993. It sells from the historic Palais Kinsky at Freyung 4, in the centre of Vienna. It holds numerous auctions each year, with lots estimated from three to seven figures.

The house puts particular focus on Austrian modern and contemporary art and on objects from the Wiener Werkstätte, where it has set many record prices. It also offers valuations and private sales, and it serves an international clientele from Vienna.

History

im Kinsky was founded in 1993 as Wiener Kunst Auktionen GmbH. One of its co-founders was Otto Hans Ressler, who had run the art department of the Dorotheum in Vienna from 1986 to 1993. Ressler was managing partner until 2011.

The house became known for Austrian art. On 9 November 2010 its 81st auction, devoted to Egon Schiele, sold Schiele's painting Prozession (1911). It made a hammer price of €3.5 million and €4.24 million including fees and Austrian VAT, and it still heads the house's list of top results.

• 1993: The house is founded as Wiener Kunst Auktionen GmbH
• 2010: Egon Schiele's Prozession sells for €4.24 million including fees
• Today: Auctions at Palais Kinsky in Vienna, with a representative office in Graz

What im Kinsky sells

im Kinsky sells across nine departments. Paintings are the core of the business, from Old Masters to contemporary art. The top results list includes works by Jan Brueghel the Elder and the Younger, Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, Gustav Klimt, Koloman Moser, Alfons Walde and Oskar Kokoschka.

• Paintings: Old Masters, 19th century paintings, modern art and contemporary art
• Antiques: Furniture and decorative objects
• Art Nouveau and design: Including Wiener Werkstätte objects
• Jewellery: Including a Josef Hoffmann brooch sold for €538,000 with fees
• Watches: Wrist and pocket watches
• Autographs and books

Selling at im Kinsky

You can bring an object to the house in Vienna for a free, non-binding valuation. im Kinsky also holds valuation days, and its experts travel several times a year to regions of Austria and neighbouring countries to value works. You can also send photos and details through the online estimate request form.

After inspection, the expert decides whether the object suits an auction. You and the house agree the estimate, and you sign an auction contract. The seller's commission is set by agreement. The fee list also names a minimum catalogue contribution of €100, and insurance is charged to the seller.

The house has had a branch office in Graz for more than ten years. It serves sellers in Styria and Carinthia.

Buying and bidding

You can bid in the saleroom, in writing, by telephone, through a broker or live online. im Kinsky runs its own live bidding platform. It also works with Lot-Tissimo, The Saleroom, Drouot and Invaluable, where extra fees may apply. It also runs online auctions, and lots that do not sell stay in a post-auction sale on its website for up to four weeks.

The buyer's commission depends on how the lot is taxed. Under differential taxation it is 30% of the hammer price up to €500,000, 25% on the part from €500,000 to €5 million and 17% above that, including 20% sales tax. For lots under normal taxation the rates are 25%, 20.8% and 14.2%, plus VAT.

• Post-auction sale: 35% buyer's commission
• Broker fee: 1.2% of the hammer price
• Droit de suite: Charged on marked lots, up to €12,500

Location and viewing

The auctions and exhibitions take place at Palais Kinsky, Freyung 4, 1010 Vienna. Pre-sale exhibitions are usually open Monday to Thursday from 10am to 6pm and Friday from 10am to 3pm. You can ask for a free condition report on any lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the buyer's premium at im Kinsky?

Under differential taxation it is 30% of the hammer price up to €500,000, including 20% sales tax. Lower rates apply above €500,000, and lots under normal taxation carry 25% plus VAT.

Does im Kinsky offer free valuations?

Yes. Its experts give free, non-binding valuations at the house in Vienna, at valuation days and on regular trips around Austria and neighbouring countries.

Can I bid online at im Kinsky?

Yes. You can bid live on im Kinsky's own platform or through partners such as The Saleroom, Invaluable, Lot-Tissimo and Drouot, where extra fees may apply.