Artsy tested its commercial auction technology when it partnered with Los Angeles Modern Auctions, which focuses on modern and contemporary art and design. The event in March had similar parameters to Sotheby’s upcoming online-only sale: 25 lots, estimated at $1,000 to $50,000, Cwilich said.
Every work sold and 85 percent of buyers were existing Artsy users, a sign that the company can deliver new clients to partners, he said.
“We hope to do something similar at Sotheby’s,” Cwilich said.