Shapiro Auctions

About Shapiro Auctions

Shapiro Auctions is a fine art auction house based in the New York metropolitan area, known for punching well above its weight in a market dominated by global giants. Founded in 2007 by Gene Shapiro, the firm has built a reputation for scholarly cataloguing, transparent dealing, and consistently strong results across a range of fine and decorative art categories. Since its founding, Shapiro Auctions has sold over eighty-three million dollars' worth of fine art, an impressive figure for a house that operates with the agility of a boutique firm.

History

Gene Shapiro began his career in the Contemporary department at Sotheby's in New York, gaining firsthand experience with the mechanics of major international auctions. He then worked as a private art dealer, developing relationships with collectors, estate attorneys, and institutions across the country. In 2007 he combined that network and expertise to launch Shapiro Auctions, offering the scholarship of a major house with the flexibility and personal service of a smaller operation.

Shapiro is a Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America and has served as a featured appraiser on PBS's Antiques Roadshow since 2014, bringing national visibility to the firm.

Specialist departments

The firm conducts multiple catalogued sales per year, with a core focus on European Fine Art, American Art, and Contemporary Art. Sales regularly feature:

• Old Master and nineteenth-century European paintings
• American paintings from the Hudson River School through mid-century modernism
• Russian art and icons, and Latin American art
• Asian works of art
• Fine prints, works on paper, rare books, decorative arts, and militaria

This breadth allows the firm to accommodate diverse estate and collection consignments without turning away entire categories. Russian art and icons are a particular niche strength, attracting bidders from around the world and establishing Shapiro as one of the go-to venues for the category in the United States.

Selling with Shapiro

The auction house is located in the village of Mamaroneck in Westchester County, New York, having previously operated from Manhattan and Bedford Hills. Prospective sellers can reach out through the website or by phone to arrange a consultation; Gene Shapiro and his team regularly travel to evaluate collections in person, from single important works to entire estates. Complimentary auction estimates are provided, and commissions are negotiated case by case, with the firm's smaller scale allowing flexible terms.

Buying and bidding

Buyers pay a buyer's premium on each lot, typically around 25 percent. Detailed condition reports and additional photography are available on request for all catalogued lots. Online bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable, and Bidsquare, as well as the firm's own website, with absentee and telephone bids also accepted.

What makes Shapiro stand out

What distinguishes Shapiro Auctions from the crowded field of New York-area auction houses is the combination of Gene Shapiro's personal expertise and network, the firm's scholarly approach to cataloguing, and a willingness to take on consignments that larger houses might overlook because of size thresholds. Shapiro has achieved record prices for works by artists who might not receive the same attention at a major international house, demonstrating that a well-curated sale with strong marketing can deliver outstanding results regardless of the auctioneer's brand profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Shapiro Auctions founded?

It was founded in 2007 by Gene Shapiro, who previously worked in the Contemporary department at Sotheby's and as a private art dealer.

What does Shapiro Auctions specialize in?

European, American, Russian, Latin American, and Asian fine art, along with decorative arts, prints, rare books, and militaria.

Can I bid online at Shapiro Auctions?

Yes, through LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable, and Bidsquare, as well as the firm's own website, with absentee and telephone bidding also accepted.