Eau-Forte
Spanning from 1952 to 1994, Pierre Soulages' Eau-Forte series epitomises his mastery of intaglio printmaking. Each artwork in this collection showcases Soulages' signature exploration of form through dark, textured shapes contrasting against flat neutral backgrounds.
Pierre Soulages Eau-Forte For sale
Eau-Forte Value (5 Years)
Sales data across the Eau-Forte series by Pierre Soulages varies by print. While standout works have sold at auction for up to £35,000, other editions in the series remain rare to market or have yet to appear publicly for sale. Of those tracked, average selling prices have ranged from £3,463 to £35,000, with an annual growth rate of 12.97% across available data. Collectors should note the variation in performance between more visible and lesser-seen editions when considering value potential in this series. The first work from this series sold at auction on 11/03/2014. Factors that enhance value include condition, rarity, signature status and private market demand; signed examples typically command a premium. Peak hammer prices have reached £35,000 for top-performing works. The market view is growth, supported by notable premiums for rare-to-market examples.
Eau-Forte Market value
Auction Results
| Artwork | Auction Date | Auction House | Return to Seller | Hammer Price | Buyer Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Eau-Forte XXXV Pierre Soulages Signed Print | 24 Jan 2024 | Ader | 8,925 | 10,500 | 15,000 |
 Eau-Forte XXXI Pierre Soulages Signed Print | 28 Nov 2023 | Digard | 13,600 | 16,000 | 23,000 |
 Eau-Forte XV Pierre Soulages Signed Print | 30 Jun 2023 | Karl & Faber | 5,100 | 6,000 | 8,000 |
 Eau-Forte XI Pierre Soulages Signed Print | 8 Dec 2022 | Karl & Faber | 22,950 | 27,000 | 35,000 |
 Eau-Forte XX Pierre Soulages Signed Print | 11 Dec 2021 | Phillips London | 29,750 | 35,000 | 45,000 |
 Eau-Forte XIX Pierre Soulages Signed Print | 9 Dec 2020 | Karl & Faber | 15,300 | 18,000 | 24,000 |
 Eau-Forte II Pierre Soulages Signed Print | 16 Jul 2020 | Karl & Faber | 5,950 | 7,000 | 9,000 |
 Eau-Forte XXXIV Pierre Soulages Signed Print | 6 Jun 2019 | Karl & Faber | 4,675 | 5,500 | 7,000 |
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Meaning & Analysis
Pierre Soulages, renowned for his exploration of light and darkness, applied his distinctive approach to printmaking in the Eau-Forte series. Created over several decades, these intaglio prints are characterised by Soulages' use of irregular, textured forms, resulting in expressive compositions.
The series is named after the etching technique itself ('eau-forte' translates to 'etching' in English), emphasising Soulages' direct engagement with the medium's qualities. Each print features abstract, gestural marks that evoke a sense of movement and depth.
Soulages' choice of dark, muted tones against light backgrounds enhances the contrast and drama within each composition. This underscores his exploration of visual perception and the play of light and texture on surfaces.
The Eau-Forte prints demonstrate Soulages' dynamic experimentation with form and technique. His meticulous manipulation of the intaglio process allows for a tactile quality that invites viewers to engage with the physicality of the prints.