Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most often, about private-treaty sales, representation, fine art, rare string instruments, and confidentiality.
What does Maegis Arts do?
Maegis Arts is a Montreal-based private-sales advisory and intermediary firm facilitating confidential international transactions in exceptional fine art and rare string instruments. It represents buyers or sellers in private-treaty transactions.
Is Maegis Arts an art dealer or gallery?
Maegis Arts is best described as a private-sales advisory and intermediary firm. It does not operate a public gallery, hold retail inventory, run exhibitions, or sell at auction; it works under buyer-side or seller-side mandates.
How does a private sale differ from an auction?
In a private sale, a work is offered discreetly to selected buyers rather than publicly at auction. Terms, timing, and price are negotiated confidentially between the parties, with no public exposure of the work or of the seller.
Do you represent buyers or sellers?
Either, under a clear mandate. Maegis Arts identifies which side it represents in a transaction and avoids undisclosed conflicts.
Which artists has Maegis Arts sold works by?
To date we have facilitated the sale of nearly 300 works, by artists such as Gauguin, Monet, Renoir, Picasso, Magritte, Matisse, Miró, Warhol, Corot, Chu Teh-Chun and Zao Wou-Ki, spanning the Old Masters to the most influential figures of modern and contemporary art.
Do you handle rare string instruments?
Yes, primarily instruments crafted by renowned master luthier Antonio Stradivari. Alexandre Da Costa, solo violinist and conductor, is our rare string instruments expert.
What is the difference between “Stradivari” and “Stradivarius”?
Antonio Stradivari is the maker; “Stradivarius” is the Latinized form commonly used for his instruments. Both terms refer to the same luthier's work.
Do you authenticate artworks or instruments?
No. Maegis Arts coordinates recognized independent specialists (catalogue raisonné authorities, authentication committees, violin experts, luthiers, and condition specialists) for attribution, condition, and valuation questions.
Do you handle assets other than art and instruments?
On a selective basis, Maegis Arts may accept mandates involving other exceptional tangible assets, such as collector automobiles, superyachts, and trophy real estate, secondary to its principal focus on fine art and rare string instruments.
Where is Maegis Arts located, and do you work internationally?
We are based in Montreal, Canada, and maintain a global network of collectors, investors, and industry experts, serving clients worldwide.
How is confidentiality protected?
Through controlled circulation of information, confidentiality agreements, and verification of counterparties. Opportunities are shown selectively to qualified parties within a controlled process.
How do I start a confidential conversation?
Through our contact page, or by email at info@maegisarts.com. Every inquiry is handled with strict discretion.