Roman
Notes
In 1970, Cy Twombly created the Roman Notes series, comprised of six lithographs that reflect his deep engagement with the city of Rome. These prints capture the ephemeral quality of Twombly's larger body of work, blending scribbled lines and textual elements with soft, washed hues to evoke Rome’s historic texture and classical culture.
Cy Twombly Roman Notes For sale
Roman Notes Value (5 Years)
With £160524 in the past 12 months, Cy Twombly's Roman Notes series is one of the most actively traded in the market. Prices have varied significantly – from £5211 to £259713 – driven by fluctuations in factors like condition, provenance, and market timing. Over the past 12 months, the average selling price was £40131, with an average annual growth rate of -2.27% across the series.
Roman Notes Market value
Auction Results
| Artwork | Auction Date | Auction House | Return to Seller | Hammer Price | Buyer Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Roman Notes I Cy Twombly Signed Print | 9 May 2021 | Stockholms Auction House | £7,225 | £8,500 | £11,000 |
 Roman Notes II Cy Twombly Signed Print | 16 Apr 2021 | Christie's New York | £51,000 | £60,000 | £90,000 |
 Roman Notes III Cy Twombly Signed Print | 23 Oct 2019 | Christie's New York | £29,750 | £35,000 | £50,000 |
 Roman Notes VI Cy Twombly Signed Print | 20 Apr 2017 | Christie's New York | £34,000 | £40,000 | £50,000 |
 Roman Notes (complete set) Cy Twombly Signed Print | 28 Oct 2015 | Christie's New York | £144,500 | £170,000 | £210,000 |
 Roman Notes IV Cy Twombly Signed Print | 24 Oct 2014 | Christie's New York | £14,450 | £17,000 | £23,000 |
 Roman Notes V Cy Twombly Signed Print | 16 Jul 2014 | Christie's New York | £16,150 | £19,000 | £26,000 |
Sell Your Art
with Us
with Us
Join Our Network of Collectors. Buy, Sell and Track Demand
Meaning & Analysis
Cy Twombly's Roman Notes lithographs are a testament to the artist's deep engagement with the cultural heritage of ancient Rome. Created in 1970, these artworks exemplify Twombly's signature style characterised by gestural marks, scribbles, and textual elements.
Twombly's interest in classical mythology and history permeates each print in the series. Through his use of fragmented lines and evocative gestures, Twombly invokes the enduring spirit of ancient civilisations, inviting viewers to contemplate the enduring relevance of these cultural legacies. Drawing inspiration from sources such as ancient poetry and historical texts, Twombly imbues his lithographs with layers of symbolism. The series serves as a visual dialogue with the past.
In Roman Notes I to Roman Notes VI, Twombly's use of lithography adds texture to his compositions, enhancing the expressive quality of his mark-making. Each artwork in the series invites viewers to immerse themselves in Twombly's abstracted world, where history and myth converge in a poetic exploration of human experience.