September 24th, 2026 | Christie's: Talk with Maria Los, Deputy Chairman & Head of Client Advisory Americas

This week, the Georgetown Retail and Luxury Association welcomed Maria C. Los,

Deputy Chairman and Head of Client Advisory Americas at Christie’s, for a conversation on the

evolving art market. In her talk, she touched upon changing collector demographics and the

importance of relationships in the auction world. A Georgetown alumna who has spent over 30

years at Christie’s, Los shared insights from a career that has grown alongside major shifts in

the art industry.

Over the years, Los has witnessed a shift in who participates in the art market. In the

past, collectors tended to be older, often coming from collector families, and the industry was

considerably more formal. Greater access, much of it digital, has since opened the art world to a

broader audience and encouraged education, confidence, and curiosity, bringing new

generations of collectors into the market across different geographies. Tastes have evolved as

well, with 20th-century design becoming more prominent alongside contemporary art, while

jewelry, watches, and wine continue to attract luxury collectors.

At the center of Los’ approach is a commitment to deeply understanding her clients and

earning their trust. Relationships at Christie’s can extend across decades and far beyond

individual transactions, from building collections for new homes to finding meaningful pieces for

important milestones. Los explained that clients who know she has their best interests at heart

come to rely on her. These personal relationships are one of her favorite parts of the industry

and reflect the unique nature of Christie’s, an environment once described as “a museum where

everything is for sale!”

Los also spoke about what makes art so compelling. For many clients, an interest in art

develops into a deep personal pursuit driven by education, discovery, and the competitive

energy of auctions. She described seeing “a light turn on” as collectors become increasingly

passionate, developing stories and experiences around the pieces they acquire. While art can

also serve as an investment, Los stressed the importance Christie’s places on scholarship and

authenticity. For all the ways the industry has evolved, its foundation remains rooted in passion,

trust, and human connection. As Los put it, “It’s all about the art, and sharing it with the world.”