Black
Numeral
Jasper Johns's Black Numeral series, created in 1968, features lithographs from Figure 0 through to Figure 9, representing a continuation of the artist's exploration into the visual and conceptual significance of numbers. Each print in the series portrays a single numeral rendered in black, set against a stark white background, exemplifying Johns's minimalist approach and his fascination with familiar, everyday symbols.
Jasper Johns Black Numeral For sale
Black Numeral Value (5 Years)
Jasper Johns's Black Numeral series has historically shown more modest results compared with the artist’s wider oeuvre, with auction prices ranging from £3271 to £17593. Average annual growth has remained modest at -0.3%, with certain works seeing declines in value. Over 27 total auction appearances, average selling prices have held steady around £6831. This series appeals to collectors seeking accessible entry points into Jasper Johns’s print market.
Black Numeral Market value
Auction Results
| Artwork | Auction Date | Auction House | Return to Seller | Hammer Price | Buyer Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Figure 5 (Black Numeral) Jasper Johns Signed Print | 19 Nov 2025 | Christie's New York | £5,100 | £6,000 | £8,000 |
 Figure 7 (Black Numeral) Jasper Johns Signed Print | 11 Sept 2025 | Galerie Kornfeld | £11,900 | £14,000 | £17,000 |
 Figure 4 (Black Numeral) Jasper Johns Signed Print | 10 Sept 2025 | Bonhams Skinner | £3,443 | £4,050 | £5,000 |
 Figure 3 (Black Numeral) Jasper Johns Signed Print | 22 Oct 2024 | Phillips New York | £4,675 | £5,500 | £8,000 |
 Figure 0 (Black Numeral) Jasper Johns Signed Print | 28 Apr 2020 | Sotheby's New York | £3,825 | £4,500 | £6,000 |
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Meaning & Analysis
Jasper Johns’ Black Numeral series delves into the abstraction and representation of numerals, a theme recurrent in his work that challenges perceptions of common symbols. The choice of a monochrome palette focuses attention on the form and texture of the numbers, stripping away any associative meanings and emphasising their aesthetic and structural qualities. Johns’s methodical approach to the numerals, treating them as both objects of visual study and as symbols laden with broader cultural significance, invites viewers to reconsider their preconceptions about what constitutes a subject worthy of artistic examination.
The lithographs, characterised by sharp lines and smooth gradients, showcases his mastery over the medium, allowing him to manipulate the ink to create prints that are both technically precise and deeply expressive. This series not only revisits themes from his earlier works but also reimagines them, presenting a mature, reflective exploration of the motifs that have defined his career.
