A Seller's Guide To Louise Bourgeois

Critically acclaimed French-American artist Louise Bourgeois is a force to be reckoned with. Her feminist led, psychologically-informed works hold record-breaking prices that indicate positive results for upcoming sellers in the market. Here’s our guide on how to navigate it.

Louise Bourgeois prints have been seen from over $500 to over half a million dollars- a modest price compared to her over $30 million dollar auction record at Christie’s.

It doesn’t pay you to invest in art you can’t properly insure. Here are some options to consider when it comes to authenticating your art collection.

Ask an Expert

If you are unsure about the authenticity of a Louise Bourgeois print, you can seek the opinion of an expert in the field, such as a reputable art broker. They can examine the print and conduct an extensive process to help you validate authenticity.

Provenance

The provenance of a print refers to its ownership history and can provide clues about its authenticity. Look for documentation, such as invoices, receipts, or certificates of authenticity, that trace the print's ownership back to the artist or a reputable dealer.

Signature

More often than not, prints are signed and numbered by the artist, usually in pencil, on the bottom margin or verso of the print. Check the signature against known examples of the artist's signature to ensure that it matches in style and placement.

Catalogue Raisonné

A catalogue raisonné is a comprehensive listing of an artist's entire body of work. You can refer to this to verify whether the print in question is included in the artist's official catalogue.

Investing in art goes far beyond what you purchase. Maintenance is just as important in ensuring the value of your collection, especially when it comes down to insurance. You can maintain your art prints through basic measures like protecting your work from harsh elements, proper handling and use of archival materials. If you’re interested in taking an extra cautious route, consulting with an expert is a preferred choice.

The best time to sell a Louise Bourgeois print depends on a variety of factors, including the condition of the print, its rarity, the current market demand for her work, and the availability of similar prints on the market. However, there are certain times and trends in the art market that can indicate a good time to sell. It’s best to consider If there’s been an increased interest in her work, high-performing results at auction, or special events like a retrospective exhibition in your decision.

Selling A Louise Bourgeois Via Auction House

Considerations should include the auction house's expertise in contemporary art, their reach and reputation within the art market, and their track record of successful sales of similar artworks.

After you choose an auction house, your piece will undergo a rigorous vetting process to ensure its authenticity. You’ll then be provided a pre-sale estimate, based on the artwork's market value and previous sales records. It’s important to remember that auction houses will charge a commission fee, typically ranging from 10-25% of the final sale price, for their services.

You can learn more about selling your work through auction in our guide.

Selling A Louise Bourgeois Via a Broker

For sellers who desire a more private and personalised approach to the sales process, selling your Bourgeois prints through a broker can be an excellent option to explore.

After requesting a valuation, a broker will reach out to you, identify your goals and help you determine pricing. Once you’re ready to sell, your broker will get to work on marketing your prints and sourcing international buyers. As soon as you find a worthy offer, we’ll process the transaction without you having to lift a finger.

Using a broker can offer several benefits, including a higher level of privacy, a more personalised sales approach, and the potential for a higher sale price.

Learn more about selling your contemporary art prints through a brokerage.

Selling A Louise Bourgeois Via Online Marketplace

Online marketplaces now offer sellers a more accessible option, providing access to a wide range of potential buyers from around the world. Platforms like Artsy, Saatchi Art, and Artspace offer a platform for sellers to showcase their artworks and connect with potential buyers directly.

You can learn more about selling your art online here.

A Dedicated Broker

MyArtBroker delivers a unique service that connects you with your own personal broker who will guide you through a secure transaction. Your broker will assist you with authenticity and provide advice on realistic sale prices, determine the optimal time to sell, and negotiate the best deals on your behalf from start to finish.

Meet our team of dedicated brokers.

Minimise Risk

MyArtBroker provides an unmatched level of transparency and security when it comes to art sales. We perform rigorous due diligence to authenticate and verify the provenance of the artwork, helping to mitigate the risk of buying or selling a fake or stolen piece of art.

0% Seller’s Fees, 100% of the Time

Our team of specialists provide bespoke services to source rare or special edition prints for every investor. As a standard part of our practice, we offer free valuations and 0% seller's fees.

Our Network

Our Trading Floor is a highly valuable and sought-after platform that has revolutionised the way art investors and enthusiasts buy and sell artwork. Providing real time market data, its value lies in its convenience, accessibility, and the level of transparency and security it provides to over tens of thousands of users.

MyPortfolio empowers collectors to create and manage their complete collection of prints and editions, enabling them to monitor the appreciation of individual pieces and the overall value of their collection.

By adding Louise Bourgeois prints from our website to their MyPortfolio dashboard, users can get a glimpse into unique sale opportunities and observe market performance in real time, creating an effortless sales process. Our pioneering technology has revolutionised art portfolio management, making it more accessible than ever and equipping users with the data-driven insights and expertise necessary to make informed decisions.

MyArtBroker leverages two key assets to deliver an exceptional experience: cutting-edge technology that's driven by data, and a team of industry experts. Our skilled professionals work closely with you, and with the aid of a MyPortfolio dashboard, to provide personalised guidance that helps you create a profitable art collection. By combining our technology and resources, we're committed to delivering an unparalleled level of curation and customer service.