Wannenes

Founded in Genoa in 2001, the Wannenes auction house conducts its sales and advisory operations by drawing on the great tradition of the antiques trade while simultaneously paying close attention to the vast opportunities presented by an increasingly international modern market and a growing number of discerning collectors.

Our philosophy is rooted in the background of the company’s founder, Guido Wannenes. His family—of Flemish origin—arrived in the Ligurian capital in the early 17th century; as art dealers, the Wannenes family continued this trade over the next four centuries, distinguishing themselves through their expertise and the prestige of their name.

Our corporate structure now encompasses experts and specialists across the most important art and collecting categories, working in close collaboration with a vast network of art historians, antique dealers, gallerists, public and private museum directors, specialized journalists, and leading collectors. New offices have also been opened: in Rome (2003), Milan (2008), Monte Carlo (2017), and Turin (2024). These offices, along with our network of associates in Italy and abroad, work in concert with our headquarters in Genoa.

We have achieved numerous milestones and experienced many defining moments in our history—a history consistently marked by a spirit of enterprise that has brought success to Wannenes in both real estate auctions (including sales of highly prestigious residences) and specialized auctions. Significant private treaty sales have also taken place; a notable example is the large altarpiece depicting the Ascension of Christ by Ludovico Brea, which was acquired by the National Gallery of Palazzo Spinola in Genoa. A distinctive feature of the company’s operations is the creation of a specialized department for the management and sale of private estates, known as *Trattative Private & Uniche Proprietà*. This department has positioned the company at the forefront of art collection management in Italy, attracting the interest of leading international collectors and curators with a novel approach to auctions; since 2009, 45 thematic auctions have been organized, generating total sales exceeding €42.5 million.

Furthermore, the emphasis placed on art advisory services in recent years has enabled the company to forge partnerships with domestic and international banking groups, as well as major law and consulting firms. In these collaborations, the company acts as an advisor, appraiser, and manager of the assets under review. As part of a commitment to continuously improving client service, the expansion of the Rome office is now viewed as a crucial asset for strengthening the company’s market position in central and southern Italy.