Ask A Gallerist: What makes one piece of art cost more than another if they are similar?

What makes one piece of art cost more than another if they are similar?

Are the pieces really similar? Is the quality of the work comparable? Are they both oil or watercolors or pastels etc. Is one artist well known and has a resume of shows, awards, exhibitions, sales. Are the pieces approximate in size? This is not necessarily a criteria though. An artist with a long history in the art world, who has received critical acclaim be it regional, national or international is likely to draw a higher sale price. If the buyer has an educated and “good eye”, he or she may find a true treasure. One should always be open to purchasing from new and less established artists.