Art Auctions in Rome During the Holiday Season
December transforms Rome's auction houses into destinations for collectors, art enthusiasts, and international visitors seeking to acquire exceptional artworks and decorative objects. Two distinguished Roman auction houses, Arcadia Casa d'Aste and Bertolami Fine Art, schedule multiple prestigious sales throughout the holiday season, offering opportunities to witness centuries-old traditions of art commerce while potentially acquiring museum-quality pieces.
Arcadia Casa d'Aste at Palazzo Celsi
Arcadia Casa d'Aste conducts its December 2025 sales from the distinguished Palazzo Celsi on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, one of Rome's most elegant historical venues. The auction house schedules multiple live auctions throughout December, each focusing on specific collecting categories. Auction 195 on December 2 presents Important Old Master Paintings featuring works from a historic Roman collection and other prestigious consignments. Auction 196 spanning December 3-4 specializes in fine jewelry. Additional auctions scheduled for December 16-18 include Auctions 197, 198, and 199, currently in the collection phase with categories to be announced.
Pre-auction viewings at Palazzo Celsi allow prospective bidders and curious visitors to examine artworks firsthand. For the December 2-4 auctions, exhibition periods run Thursday November 27 through Sunday November 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Monday December 1 viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For the December 16-18 auctions, viewing occurs Thursday December 11 through Sunday December 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Monday December 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Bertolami Fine Art at Palazzo Caetani Lovatelli
Bertolami Fine Art operates from the historic Palazzo Caetani Lovatelli at Piazza Lovatelli 1 in central Rome. The auction house schedules three significant December sales appealing to diverse collecting interests. Auction 359, divided into two sessions on December 4, focuses on 19th Century, Modern and Contemporary Art. The first session covers works from the second half of the 19th century through the 1940s, with German Expressionist prints and drawings featured prominently. The second session addresses Post War and Contemporary works.
Auction 361 on December 11 presents Ancient Furniture and Works of Art from the 16th to 20th Century, including selected furnishings from the distinguished Count Luigi Rigi Luperti Collection. Auction 360 on December 12 offers Jewels, Medals and Paintings from Companies in Liquidation managed by Fintecna S.p.A., a company of the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group. Exhibition viewings occur December 1-3 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. CET, providing three full days for prospective buyers to examine lots before auctions commence.
The Roman Auction Experience
Attending an art auction in Rome offers international visitors unique cultural insights extending beyond the artworks themselves. Both auction houses occupy historic palaces where architectural splendor enhances the experience of viewing paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and decorative arts. The auction process itself represents a living tradition connecting contemporary collectors with centuries of art commerce. Auctioneers conduct sales in Italian, though catalog descriptions and condition reports are frequently available in English upon request.
Registration to bid requires valid identification and completion of bidder forms available at auction house offices. International visitors may register in advance through auction house websites or in person during exhibition periods. Telephone and absentee bidding options accommodate those unable to attend live auctions in person. Both houses also offer online bidding platforms enabling remote participation.
Understanding Auction Categories and Specializations
December auctions traditionally feature Old Master paintings, 19th century academic art, modern and contemporary works, fine jewelry, antique furniture, and decorative arts. The Old Master category encompasses European paintings created between the Renaissance and approximately 1800, often featuring religious subjects, portraiture, and landscape compositions. Modern and contemporary auctions present works by 20th and 21st century artists, including Italian movements such as Arte Povera, Transavanguardia, and contemporary practitioners active today.
Jewelry auctions showcase signed pieces by prestigious houses including Cartier, Bulgari, and Van Cleef & Arpels alongside antique jewels and important gemstones. Furniture and decorative arts sales present period pieces ranging from Renaissance cassoni through Art Deco furnishings, appealing to interior designers, collectors, and those furnishing historic properties.
Auction House Locations and Access
Arcadia Casa d'Aste occupies Palazzo Celsi at Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 18 in Rome's historic center. The location is accessible via multiple bus routes including 30, 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 116, 492, and 628. The auction house sits approximately midway between Piazza Venezia and Piazza Navona, within easy walking distance of major landmarks.
Bertolami Fine Art operates from Palazzo Caetani Lovatelli at Piazza Lovatelli, 1 near the Campo de' Fiori area. Bus routes 30, 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 116, 492, and 628 serve the vicinity. Both locations occupy central positions allowing visitors to combine auction viewings with explorations of Rome's historic center, shopping districts, and restaurant neighborhoods.
Planning Your Auction Visit
Exhibition periods preceding auctions provide the optimal time for leisurely examination without the intensity of auction day itself. Arrive during viewing hours with sufficient time to review catalog descriptions, inspect condition, and ask specialists questions about specific lots. Auction house staff members typically include specialists knowledgeable about artworks in their respective departments who can provide additional provenance information, condition assessments, and historical context.
Auction day attendance requires no purchase obligation. Many visitors attend simply to observe the process, experience the atmosphere, and learn about current market values. Both auction houses welcome observers who respect auction protocols by remaining quiet during bidding and avoiding disruptive behavior.
For the Most Current Information
For the most current information on admission prices and operating hours, please verify directly on the official website before your visit, as these details may change seasonally.
Learn More
For complete auction catalogs, condition reports, bidding registration, and detailed information about specific sales, contact the auction houses directly or visit their official websites.
