Lempertz is the oldest family owned auction house in Europe, with a history reaching back to 1798 as an antiquarian book shop that offered auctions. Officially founded as an auction house in 1845, the company has established an international reputation for auctioning significant art estates. Auctions with this house are offered in Cologne, Berlin, Brussels, and Monaco. The house also has branches and representatives in Munich, Zurich, New York, and S?o Paulo.