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Key Takeaways
Selling Andy Warhol prints offers lucrative opportunities due to their strong market performance, high liquidity, and enduring art historical significance. Key considerations include understanding the value of complete sets and rare proofs, which can range from £400,000 to £4 million, influenced by edition size and subject matter. Warhol’s market frequently sees record prices, like a Marilyn Monroe (1967) complete set selling for £4 million in 2022. Authentication is crucial, with the Andy Warhol Foundation playing a key role. As with all prints, market timing, influenced by media coverage and exhibitions, impacts demand. MyArtBroker provides expert guidance, free valuations, and a 0% seller fee, ensuring optimal sale conditions.
Andy Warhol is one of the most liquid artists in the art market. His works have excelled not only in the originals market but also in the print market, with competitive transactions. If you are looking to sell a Warhol print, there are important considerations to ensure you secure the correct fair market value with a reliable buyer. This seller's guide provides essential advice on different avenues for selling, including market timing, condition, and authentication, to help facilitate the selling process.
Estimating the value of your Andy Warhol print
Warhol was an incredibly active artist during his lifetime, resulting in an extensive body of print works across various series. Warhol's consistent sales history and strong market performance over the years provides a solid amount of market data that offer insights into market value and fluctuations in demand for specific prints and collections. Given the breadth of Warhol's market, it is unique in that different types of prints—such as main editioned prints, proofs, and complete sets—carry different values, influenced by factors like edition size and subject matter.
Value Of Andy Warhol Complete Sets
Complete sets consist of every individual print within a specific Warhol collection. These sets can range from two prints, as seen in Warhol's Moonwalk series, to ten prints, like the Marilyn and Endangered Species collections. Complete sets are the highest valued in Warhol's print market, and their value increases if they feature matching edition numbers or special proofs. These sets are valued anywhere from £400,000 to £4 million, depending on their size and subject matter.
For example, the record price for a complete set is held by the Marilyn (1967), which achieved just over £4 million in May 2022 at Sotheby's for matching edition numbers. The complete set of Goethe (1982), consisting of four prints, reached an auction record of £604,800 in March 2023 at Christie's. While Goethe categorises as a celebrity portrait, the set is not as iconic in the public market as the Marilyn series, and its value reflects the smaller set size. Another example is Moonwalk Suite (1987), which commanded a record price of £571,254 in October 2023. Its culturally significant subject matter and small set size of two contributes to its high value. Overall, the value of Warhol prints can vary based on complete sets, type of proof, collection size, and subject matter.
Value Of Andy Warhol Proofs
If you have an individual print, its value can vary based on the type of proof. Warhol produced various types of proofs throughout his career, including artist's proofs (AP), trial proofs (TP), and hors de commerce (HC), among others. These proofs were produced in smaller edition numbers outside the main edition and usually sell at a premium.
TPs have been particularly trending in 2023 due to their unique colour variations, making them closely associated with an original. The current record-selling trial proof over the past ten years, Superman (F. & S. IIB.260) (TP), recently sold at Sotheby's for £508,000 in October 2023. In comparison, the value for the main edition of this print is estimated to be between £160,000 - £230,000 according to MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio. For a complete list of the different types of proofs and their meanings, refer to our comprehensive Warhol market guide.
Value Of Andy Warhol Main Editions
Warhol's main edition prints make up the majority of his market by sales volume. The value of these prints can vary significantly. While lower edition numbers can add value, the main determinant is often the subject matter. Celebrity portraits, including Marilyn Monroe, Queen Elizabeth, Mao, and Mick Jagger, are often valued in excess of £100,000. MyArtBroker's Warhol expert, Rebecca Marsham, speaks to the value of Warhol celebrity portraits noting his ability to “identify and immortalise figures”.
Consumer items, such as Soup Cans and prints belonging to Warhol's Ads series, also frequently exceed £100,000. However, certain collections, such as Cowboys and Indians, Ladies and Gentlemen, Trucks, and Space Fruit are just several examples, of many collections, that can offer more affordable options within Warhol's body of work.
If you are looking to sell your Warhol print, it is advisable to seek professional assistance from experts who understand Warhol's print market and can help you determine the current fair market value based on proof, edition number, subject matter, and current market conditions. At MyArtBroker, we offer free, zero-obligation valuations. Get in touch with us to find out more and browse Warhol prints on the Trading Floor.
Authenticating an Andy Warhol print
The Andy Warhol Foundation
If you are considering selling your Warhol print, ensuring its authenticity is crucial. The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts (AWF) was established in 1995, initially serving as the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board until 2012. Concerns about the board's privacy practices and methodology led to legal cases where fakes were deemed authentic and genuine works were denied, eventually causing the board to cease operations.
Now, the AWF operates in accordance with Warhol's will, with a mission to advance the visual arts by fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of his work. The Foundation promotes Warhol’s artistic and cultural influence by providing access to his work and encouraging new scholarship. This was most prominently achieved through a collaborative effort with the Carnegie Institute, establishing initiatives like the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, which holds the largest collection of Warhol’s artworks and archival materials.
However, the Foundation still faces lawsuits today, the most recent being the Andy Warhol estate's loss in a US Supreme Court copyright case over Prince paintings. Rock-and-roll photographer, Lynne Goldsmith sued over copyright infringement claims. For a more detailed account of this story, refer to The Prince Pop Art Controversy an in-depth look at the case.
Andy Warhol Catalogue Raisonné
Funded by the AWF, the ongoing Andy Warhol Catalogue Raisonné project is available in three volumes: Paintings, Sculptures, and Drawings; Prints; and Film, each with different publishers. The Warhol Catalogue Raisonné is complex, as noted by Warhol authenticator Richard Polsky, who provides advice on authenticating Warhol works in his article published by MyArtBroker.
If you are selling your Warhol print, it should be listed in the Catalogue Raisonné to be deemed authentic and achieve optimal value on the secondary market. The AWF does not offer opinions on works purported to be by Warhol and does not guarantee the inclusion of submitted works. It also does not provide certificates of authenticity (COA), appraisals, valuations, or recommendations of appraisers. The best way to confirm the authenticity of your Warhol print is to trace its provenance back to its gallery dealer or publisher, such as Ronald Feldman Fine Art, Inc., Edition Schellmann, or The AWF.
It is always advisable to seek professional guidance from a reputable dealer like MyArtBroker or an art authenticator like Richard Polsky who can help with researching the provenance of Warhol works.
Looking To Authenticate Your Warhol Print?
Read Richard Polsky's Guide on How to Authenticate an Andy Warhol to learn more, and contact MyArtBroker for a free, no-obligation valuation.
Flowers Series © Andy Warhol 1964Does my Andy Warhol print need to be in mint condition?
When considering the sale of your print, condition is crucial, especially in Warhol's market. During Warhol's time at The Factory (Warhol's studio), which began in the 1960s, there was no real system in place for record-keeping for paintings, prints, and productions. Many artworks were given away casually, and the value of Warhol prints was much lower than it is today. Consequently, it is not uncommon to come across certain Warhol works on the market that were not maintained in good condition. Issues such as poor framing, mounting, exposure to sunlight, and undulation can affect a print's condition.
If you are concerned about the condition of your print, it is advisable to consult a conservator for restoration. Poor condition can significantly impact a print's value, so seeking professional help is essential. MyArtBroker can connect you with a credible restorer through our extensive network. Find out more in our guide to restoring and caring for modern and contemporary prints.
When should I sell my Andy Warhol?
Media coverage significantly impacts the timing of when to sell an artist's work. Generally, the lead-up to an exhibition or retrospective increases interest in the artist's market. Sometimes, this interest and demand remain high during and after the show, while other times, they may decline.
Market saturation is another important factor. When many artworks circulate the market simultaneously, interest and demand can decrease. Warhol's market is unique, as works frequently enter the market, often with ten or more prints featured in a single auction sale. However, demand for Warhol's works remains consistently high.
A prime example of this demand was in 2022, a record-breaking year for Warhol's print and originals market. The notable sale of Shot Sage Blue Marilyn (1964) achieved £157 million in May. Following this, three complete sets of Marilyn sold in the print market for over £3 million each. Individual Marilyn prints also set new records, such as Marilyn (F. & S. II.21, 23, 25).
Additionally, seven other Warhol originals sold for over eight figures in 2022. This success in the originals market spilled over into the prints, resulting in a record year of sales. Access our monthly auction reports to see the continued demand in Warhol's Originals and Prints market: January, March, April, May, June Auctions.
Browse Andy Warhol prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about print market performance in the Andy Warhol investment Guide.
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Where can I sell my Andy Warhol artwork?
SELLING A WARHOL VIA AUCTION HOUSE
Auction houses are a popular choice for selling artwork due to their ability to provide accurate valuations, leveraging their longstanding market expertise. Experts will appraise your artwork and attract the right buyers through their extensive market base. The theatrical nature of auctions can drive up the value of your work beyond estimates, potentially resulting in a substantial return.
However, there are drawbacks to auction sales. One major disadvantage is the high fees, which can include marketing, storage, condition checks, and seller commissions, often exceeding 25%. Additionally, auction houses operate on strict timetables and schedules, giving you little control over when your artwork will be included in a sale. Due to a backlog of prints, auction houses often limit the number of same prints by the same artist in one sale, possibly causing delays and affecting liquidity.
There is also the risk that your artwork may not sell, which can damage its value and the artist's market. For more detailed insights into the advantages and drawbacks of auction sales, refer to our Auction vs. Private Sale Guide.
SELLING A WARHOL PRIVATELY VIA BROKER
An alternative to public auction sales is selling via the private market, which offers multiple options. One option is a private broker, who can provide a more personalised experience and guide you through the valuation process. Many brokers have art market or auction house experience and possess a client base that can attract buyers for your print. However, it's crucial to choose a reputable broker with expertise in the artist's market you're targeting to achieve optimal results. Keep in mind that brokers also have their own set of fees.
Alternatively, online dealerships like MyArtBroker offer advancements in online and art technology. Many sellers are turning to the convenience of these platforms as they provide a personalised experience along with art tech tools that enhance transparency and help you understand the nuances of the art market. Through MyArtBroker's Trading Floor, we have the network to facilitate direct transactions with parties interested in specific works or collections. Contact one of our sales experts to explore our network and trading options further.
Download the Art Tech Report to discover full access to MyArtBroker's art valuation tools.
Why sell your Andy Warhol with MyArtBroker?
A DEDICATED EXPERT
MyArtBroker offers a more personalised experience than auction houses. Our sales experts guide you through the selling process, connecting buyers and sellers via our online Trading Floor. As the world's largest platform for prints and multiples, we have extensive market knowledge and can source direct buyers, ensuring you receive fair market value for your artwork.
MINIMISE RISK
At MyArtBroker, we offer unmatched transparency on market conditions and the sale of your artwork. Our due diligence process ensures authentication and provenance, minimising risk. We leverage internal expertise and trusted external partners to reduce counterfeit trading risks. Additionally, we mitigate the risks of public auctions, such as unsold items affecting value and the artist's market, by facilitating private sales that provide faster liquidity outside of auction seasons.
0% SELLER’S FEES, 100% OF THE TIME
Our team specialises in acquiring rare and special edition prints, serving both seasoned collectors and newcomers. We offer complimentary valuations and charge no seller's fees, setting us apart from other private dealers and auction houses. By minimising overhead costs, we prioritise digital innovation and targeted marketing through our network and in-house magazine.
Securing the best price for your artwork depends on accessing a niche market with an established collector base. For those selling a Warhol print, partnering with a print market expert like MyArtBroker yields superior outcomes compared to auction houses that cater to broader art categories.
OUR NETWORK
Through our dynamic live Trading Floor, we empower a network of over 30,000 collectors, fundamentally transforming art investment and trading in the digital era. By providing real-time market data and insights from a global community, we ensure value through convenience, accessibility, and exceptional transparency and security. This benefits tens of thousands of users who rely on our platform for seamless transactions and informed decision-making.
WARHOL COLLECTION MANAGEMENT WITH MYPORTFOLIO
MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio is a comprehensive tool that allows collectors to manage and monitor their prints and editions collection, tracking current values. It provides access to a database with over 50,000 auction histories, integrated with our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX, which analyses auction and sales data to offer real-time valuations considering condition, colour, and other value-influencing factors. Financial Quant expert Stuart Jamieson explains these algorithms in an interview.
Advanced art technology tools are crucial for navigating today's dynamic digital art market. Integrating Warhol prints into the MyPortfolio dashboard empowers users to monitor sales opportunities and track market performance in real time, simplifying the sales process. Our innovative technology has revolutionised art portfolio management, enhancing accessibility and providing data-driven insights for informed decision-making.
Browse Warhol prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about print market performance in the Andy Warhol Investment Guide.
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