Galleries and dealers

The world of galleries and dealers is very diverse: world-renowned galleries, regional galleries, dealers specialised in one period, antiques dealers, advisory firms. All share the role of trusted intermediary.

Trust is their capital. A dealer whose sale is contested loses in a few days a reputation built over thirty years. That is why the conformity label and the code of ethics have become competitive assets.

The first pillar is registration: every gallery or dealer declares its activity, specialities and managers. The second is the conformity label, which attests to compliance with verified procedures. The third is the code of ethics, which sets out principles of conduct.

These three pillars are complementary. Registration is open to all and free; the label requires an audit; the code binds each person by their signature.

Galleries and dealers have adopted digital tools: virtual visits, online catalogues, digital certificates, remote sales. This transformation has widened their clientele, but it calls for new guarantees, in particular on the authenticity of images and the identity of buyers.

Labelled professionals have specific tools at their disposal: digital certificate, work passport and identity check. They are also required to report any suspicious behaviour to OIMAP.