The present invention includes a system and method of electronically
executing transactions with a preprogrammed main computer having data and
image storage and retrieval equipment. A plurality of electronic images
of works of art which are for sale are created by at least one listing
dealer and stored on the storage equipment associated with the main
computer. Data is input about each stored image and input data is
associated with each corresponding stored image. A plurality of
preprogrammed intelligent terminals each having data storage and
retrieval equipment, at least one display screen and at least one input
device, located at least one listing dealer location and at least one
buying dealer location communicate with the main computer. Search
criteria are input through the intelligent terminals for selecting at
least one of the stored electronic images for review. Selected images and
corresponding data are communicated to the intelligent terminals and at
least a portion of the selected electronic images are displayed. A
reservation on at least one of the displayed electronic images can be
made to prevent the completion of a sale transaction involving the
artwork corresponding to the selected reserved electronic image. An
indication of the reserve status of the work is displayed in conjunction
with the display of the reserved work on any of the intelligent
terminals. A buy order can be input on the intelligent terminals to
transact a purchase of the artwork corresponding to the electronic image
subject to the buy order. Instructions to complete the purchase are
automatically generated and communicated to the intelligent terminals
corresponding to the appropriate listing dealer and the appropriate
buying dealer.