An art auction is the sale of art works, in most cases in an auction house. In England this dates from the latter part of the 17th century, when in most cases the names of the auctioneers were suppressed. Evelyn (under date June 21, 1693) mentions a "great auction of pictures (Lord Melford's) in the Banqueting House, Whitehall", and the practice is frequently referred to by other contemporary and later writers.
Normally, an auction catalog, that lists the art works to be sold, is written and made available well before the auction date.
