Amazon art to sell Dali, Hirst and Warhol in new virtual marketplace

Online retailer will feature works for sale from some of the most renowned high-end galleries

(Amazon.com)

Amazon has launched a new online art market place dedicated to selling real works of art from some of the world's most renowned galleries.

During today's launch, Amazon art will showcase 40,000 works from more than 4,500 artists, supplied by over 150 art dealers.

The online marketplace has designed the virtual store to include easy-to use-tools to "open up the art world to customers".

Peter Faricy, vice president for Amazon Marketplace said the group was excited about bringing "one of the largest selections of fine art" direct from galleries to Amazon customers.

"Amazon Art gives galleries a way to bring their passion and expertise about the artists they represent to our millions of customers,” he said.

The works on offer will range in sale price from hundreds of dollars for lesser known pieces, to over $1m for a Monet painting.

Featured artists on the site include Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst and Salvador Dali.

Visitors will be offered the chance to view fine art from high end galleries such as Paddle8 in New York, Holden Luntz in Miami, McLoughlin Gallery in San Francisco, Modernbook in San Francisco and Catherine Person Gallery in Seattle.

The site will feature high quality images of the artworks, with filters to allow potential customers to search by subject, color, size and price.

Art works will be accompanied by detailed descriptions of the artist, the provenance and exhibition history. Visitors will be also be able to browse additional artworks from the artist or gallery.

The reaction on Twitter has been largely positive, with many highlighting its potential for independent artists to use as a space to exhibit. However, it remains to be seen how the more traditional side of the art world will react to the concept of online galleries.