The value of art: Pre-class activities

But the biggest variable is the reputation of the artist.
Hirst first began working with an art industry giant, Charles Saatchi, in the 1990s. Saatchi commissioned Hirst to make anything he wanted for £50,000 after seeing this cow’s head at a show shortly after Hirst’s graduation in 1990.
It was roughly 130 times the original price, but it makes sense considering Saatchi’s reputation.
By keeping the price private, art dealers can rely more on their reputation to make the artwork feel more valuable to the buyer.