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Art consignment agreements: splits and what to include

How consignment with a gallery works, what the standard split is, and what to get in writing.

By Larry Jones, founder of ArtistOS · Updated September 24, 2026

In a consignment, the artist keeps ownership while a gallery shows and sells the work, and the sale is split. The standard split in commercial galleries is 50/50 of the retail price; some galleries offer 60/40 in the artist's favor. The agreement should list each work and its retail price, the commission, the consignment period, who pays for framing, shipping and insurance, how quickly you get paid after a sale, and how unsold work is returned.

What to include in a consignment agreement

  1. An inventory list: title, medium, size and agreed retail price for every work
  2. Commission percentage, and whether it applies to studio sales or commissions the gallery refers
  3. Consignment period and how either side can end it
  4. Payment terms: how many days after a sale you are paid, and whether you get the buyer's name
  5. Discounts: whether the gallery can discount and whose share it comes from
  6. Insurance while the work is at the gallery and in transit
  7. Framing and shipping costs, and whether they come off the top before the split
  8. Return of unsold work, condition, and who pays for it
  9. Copyright stays with the artist

Track what's where

Once work is spread across galleries, fairs and your studio, the hard part is knowing where each piece is and what you're owed. ArtistOS tracks every consignment (gallery, commission rate, dates) and updates each artwork's location, and Studio shows it all on a consignment map. Pair each agreement with a consignment sheet listing the works and prices.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

What percentage do art galleries take?

Most commercial galleries take 50% of the retail price on consigned work. Some offer the artist 60%, and nonprofit spaces or co-ops often take less.

Is framing deducted before the gallery split?

It depends on the agreement. Some galleries reimburse framing off the top before splitting; others split the full price. Put it in writing.

How long should a consignment period be?

Many agreements run for the length of a show or a set term such as 6 to 12 months, with a clause for returning unsold work.

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