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By comparing the images of auctions by Christie's in 1810 and 2008, and Thornton's reading about auctions, it becomes clear that auction world has changed in some ways. The auction room appears to be much more organized (assigned seats) and crowded, with less room for movement in its current state than in the past. Much of the art displayed on the walls has been replaced by television monitors and a "scoreboard or currency converter." While many buyers and sellers surely have similar motives to those of the past, I think there is presently a stronger emphasis on art as investment. In addition, buyers can now participate in an auction without being present through the use of phones and the internet which obviously was not possible in 1810. Another important difference between the auctions of the past and present is the type of work for sale. Before the 1950's, art by living artists was not commonly sold in auctions because, "living artists are perceived as unpredictable and inconvenient." This has changed drastically as much of the art now sold is by living artists and the demand continues to rise.
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