Data, authenticity, and new collectors: how AI is changing the global art market
The intelligenza artificiale (AI) in the art market is no longer a futuristic promise, but a concrete reality that is profoundly transforming the sector, especially in key hubs like Parigi, London, and New York.
If in past years the blockchain was seen as the solution for the traceability of works, today AI represents a much more transversal tool: data analysis, discovery of artists, authentication, and optimization of sales.
According to the data published by Artprice, 2025 marks a turning point, with numbers that clearly show the potential of AI.
Over 1.28 million works of art: AI revolutionizes data analysis
In 2025, 1.28 million Fine Art works were offered at public auction.
An enormous volume of data that until a few years ago was difficult to interpret strategically. Today, thanks to artificial intelligence:
- it is possible to cross-reference data from public auctions and private sales
- hidden patterns emerge on prices, artists, and trends
- you get a more transparent view of the market
For editorial entities and investors, this means a new era of art market intelligence, with more accurate and predictive insights.
904,900 artists: discovery and recommendation driven by AI
The global art market has over 900,000 active artists, making it increasingly complex to navigate.
This is where AI comes into play, with models similar to those used by Instagram:
- personalized artist suggestion
- analysis of collectors’ tastes
- early identification of emerging talents
For cities like Parigi, where the contemporary art scene is extremely dynamic, this type of technology can accelerate the discovery of new artists and directly influence the local market.
33% of unsold: how AI can make auctions more efficient
Currently, about 33% of the lots at auctions remain unsold.
A physiological fact, but improvable.
The main auction houses are already using AI to:
- refine the estimates of the opere
- better target the buyers
- choose timing and location of the sales
The objective is to reduce the unsold rate below 15%, improving market efficiency.
In an increasingly competitive European context, this represents a strategic advantage for hubs like Paris and Milano, which aim to strengthen their role in the global market.
The problem of counterfeits: AI in the fight against counterfeiting
One of the most controversial data in the sector concerns the presence of fake works in museums.
According to Thomas Hoving, former director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, up to 40% of the works could be erroneously attributed.
Artificial intelligence can intervene decisively thanks to:
- advanced visual recognition
- automated stylistic analysis
- comparison with global databases
This is particularly relevant for the European market, where the historical heritage is enormous and the risk of attribution errors is high.
New market indices: AI and predictive analysis
Artprice manages today 15 global indices of the art market.
Thanks to machine learning, these tools can evolve further, including variables such as:
- nationality and gender of the artists
- training path
- provenienza e mostre precedenti
- sales channel (online vs offline)
This paves the way for a new generation of indicators, fundamental for those who want to invest in art consciously.
Trend 2026: the market restarts (also thanks to AI)
The signs of recovery are already visible:
- the Artprice100 index grew by +11.2% in 2025
- the market shows signs of stabilization after the decline of the contemporaneo
- The adoption of AI is improving efficiency and transparency
In particular, cities like Parigi are benefiting from this change, thanks to the combination of cultural tradition and technological innovation.
AI as the new standard in the art market
Artificial intelligence will not replace human expertise, but it will amplify it.
For collectors, investors, and industry operators, AI today represents:
- an analysis tool
- an accelerator of discovery
- an ally against market risks
In the near future, ignoring these technologies will mean falling behind in an increasingly competitive and data-driven market.
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.
