A Seller's Guide To Helen Frankenthaler

Helen Frankenthaler’s Southern Exposure. An abstract expressionist screenprint of a landscape using orange, red and yellow.Southern Exposure © Helen Frankenthaler 2005
Helena Poole

Helena Poole, Specialist[email protected]

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Helen Frankenthaler?

“Every canvas is a journey all its own. There are no rules. Let the picture lead you where it must go.”
Helen Frankenthaler

As one of the most influential figures of the 20th century art world, Helen Frankenthaler's Abstract Expressionist masterpieces continue to captivate enthusiasts and investors alike. For collectors looking to capitalise on the market's interest in the artist’s work, understanding the seller's market is essential. Unlock the insider information you need for successful sales in the Frankenthaler market.

How Much Do Helen Frankenthaler Prints Sell For?

The market for Frankenthaler's prints showcases a broad price spectrum, influenced by factors including rarity, condition, edition size, artist demand, and overall market dynamics. Prices for original Frankenthaler prints can span from a few thousand dollars to upwards of several hundred thousand. Specific works such as What Red Lines Can Do may fetch up to €3,500, whereas highly sought-after pieces like Tales Of Genji III can command prices as high as €180,000.

Limited edition prints, especially those personally signed by Frankenthaler and part of smaller edition runs, are particularly valuable. Prints from notable series or pivotal periods in the artist's career often attract premium pricing.

Over the past five years, the Frankenthaler print market has experienced a 14% annual average growth rate. In the last 12 months, 56 prints have been sold, totaling €595,107 in sales value, with an average price of €10,626 per print. This robust performance underscores the continued collector interest and investment potential in Frankenthaler's print work.

How Do You Authenticate a Helen Frankenthaler Print?

As the popularity and value of Helen Frankenthaler's artwork continue to rise, it becomes increasingly important for art collectors and new investors to navigate prints authentication with confidence. If you’re looking to begin the authentication process by conducting your own due diligence, here are some steps to consider:

Catalogue

If you reference reputable catalogue raisonnés, you might be able to cross-reference the print's details with the catalogue to verify consistency. The official artist foundation or estate associated with Helen Frankenthaler may offer additional resources for guidance and information on authentic prints, as they maintain extensive archives.

Edition and Signature

Does the artist typically sign her prints in a certain area? Does she use a pencil or an ink pen? Compared with the help of catalogues, details like the artist’s signature style and placement throughout her career can service you throughout the authentication process. Keep an eye out for edition information, such as edition size, numbering, and any publisher's or printer's marks.

Provenance

Examine the print's provenance and history of ownership. Authentic prints should come with proper documentation, like a certificate of authenticity, exhibition catalogues, invoices, or letters of authenticity.

How To Know If Your Helen Frankenthaler Print Has Been Kept In Good Condition?

If you’re in the seller’s market, you don’t want to leave something like your print’s resale value to chance. While you can conduct your own process of determining signs of damage, discoloration, or mishandling, our team of expert appraisers can assist you in ensuring the quality of your print. You can request a zero-risk, free valuation from our team of specialists here.

When Is the Best Time to Sell Your Helen Frankenthaler Print?

There’s a multitude of factors that determine when it’s the best time to sell. Arguably, the short answer is when there is a demand for your prints. You can trust that you’re up to speed on the market value of your print, and determine when it’s an optimum time to sell by reviewing real time activity of the prints market.

“I’d rather risk an ugly surprise than rely on things I know I can do.”
Helen Frankenthaler

Where Can You Sell Your Helen Frankenthaler Print?

Selling A Helen Frankenthaler Through an Auction House

Select an audition house that meets your criteria of expertise, makes regular sales, and has a positive reputation in the market.

After you choose one, your print will undergo a rigorous vetting process to ensure its authenticity. Based on the artwork's market value and previous sales records, you’ll be provided a pre-sale estimate. 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 Your Helen Frankenthaler Online

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.

Selling Your Helen Frankenthaler Through a Broker

For sellers who desire a more private and personalised approach to the sales process, selling your Frankenthaler 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.

A detailed close up of Helen Frankenthaler’s Mountains and Sea. An abstract expressionist painting including blue, orange, pink, and yellow hues. Image © Licensed under CC BY 2.0. / Mountains and Sea (detail) © Helen Frankenthaler 1952

Why Sell Your Helen Frankenthaler With MyArtBroker?

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.

Helen Frankenthaler Collection Management with MyPortfolio

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 Helen Frankenthaler 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.

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