UPSC Prelims 2009 Q110: Art & Culture – Cultural Institutions & Awards
Consider the following houses:
1. Christie's
2. Osian's
3. Sotheby's
Which of the above is/are auctioneer/auctioneers ?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Which of these are auction houses
These well-known names are all involved in a specific kind of high-value sales business.
| House | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Christie's | Correct | Christie's is one of the world's oldest and most famous auction houses |
| 2. Osian's | Correct | Osian's is a well-known Indian auction house, dealing in art and collectibles |
| 3. Sotheby's | Correct | Sotheby's is another leading global auction house |
Auction house facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Global auction houses | Christie's, Sotheby's |
| Indian auction house | Osian's |
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Houses 2 and 3 (Osian's, Sotheby's) are also auction houses, so '1 only' is too narrow.
- (b) Incorrect. House 2 (Osian's) is also an auction house, so '1 and 3 only' is incomplete.
- (c) Incorrect. House 1 (Christie's) is also an auction house, so '2 and 3 only' wrongly excludes it.
- (d) CORRECT. All three — Christie's, Osian's, and Sotheby's — are genuine auction houses.
Key point
Christie's, Osian's, AND Sotheby's are all genuine auction houses — Christie's and Sotheby's being global names, and Osian's being a well-known Indian auction house.
Remember
Christie's, Osian's, and Sotheby's: all three are auction houses.
Common mistakes
- Not knowing Osian's as a legitimate Indian auction house, assuming only the globally famous names count.
- Underestimating how many well-known art/collectibles houses are specifically auctioneers.
- Assuming only one or two of three plausible-sounding names could be auction houses.
Exam tip
Christie's and Sotheby's = global auction houses. Osian's = India's own well-known auction house. All three qualify.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Christie's
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Sotheby's
- Osian's — About Osian's: art auction house, Mumbai