EBay partners with Sotheby's to feature auctions from the rarefied heights of art

EBay will soon feature auctions from the likes of Monet, Picasso and other masters through a new partnership with auction house Sotheby's.

The companies will offer a new live auction feature on eBay Inc.'s Web site and real-time bidding for Sotheby's auctions that are taking place at Sotheby's headquarters in New York. The move lets eBay's 145 million active users have more access to the high-end art and objects that Sotheby's auctions.

Financial terms were undisclosed. Sotheby's Chief Operating Officer Bruno Vinciguerra said the partnership will help makes its sales "available to the broadest possible audience around the world."

The companies also said they eventually plan to offer other kinds of sales and live auctions from other Sotheby's showrooms around the world.