Eight Poppies © Donald Sultan 2010
Donald Sultan
43 works
Key Takeaways
Donald Sultan's prints maintain consistent market strength, with individual works typically fetching between £2,000 and £8,000, while rare examples and complete portfolios can achieve significantly higher values. His Black Lemons series (1984) holds particular appeal, with an artist's proof setting the record at £18,051 in 1989. Authentication requires thorough examination of materials, with special attention to Sultan's innovative combinations of flocking, enamel, screenprinting, and aquatint. His experimental printing techniques make condition assessment particularly crucial, as industrial paints and specialised inks age differently from traditional print materials. The market shows increasing appreciation for prints from the 2000s and early 2010s, with floral series like Poppies (2011) and 12 Colors (2007) regularly achieving strong results. Limited editions, particularly those incorporating unusual materials or printing processes, consistently outperform standard editions, while artist's and printer's proofs command premium prices.
Donald Sultan introduced industrial materials and processes into fine art production. His paintings brought new meaning to the tradition of ‘still life,’ focusing instead on patterns, structures, and shapes found in nature. His monumental prints, characterised by their bold forms and innovative techniques, demonstrate how Sultan adapted his industrial processes to create works that are both technically groundbreaking and visually striking. This guide provides essential insights for those looking to navigate the market for Sultan's prints, offering detailed information on valuation, authentication, and effective selling strategies.
Sultan approaches printmaking with the same experimental spirit he brings to his paintings. He regularly incorporates unusual materials like flocking, adapts unconventional surfaces like vinyl tiles and tar, and uses more conventional materials in new ways, such as blowing and brushing resin powder, to create prints with extraordinary textural qualities. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with several prestigious print studios, including ULAE and Derriere L'Etoile, producing editions that challenge traditional boundaries between painting and printmaking. His most successful series, including the Still Lifes With Pears And Lemons print set (1986) and Black Lemons collection (c.1984), demonstrate his ability to transform everyday objects into powerful abstract compositions through sophisticated printing techniques.
How Much Do Donald Sultan Prints Sell For?
Donald Sultan's innovative approach to materials and scale has created a distinctive market for his prints, with particular collector interest in those works that transform natural shapes into abstract compositions. The value of Sultan’s prints initially peaked in the late 1980s, early 1990s, soon after his most popular print series were made; however, significant sales between 2021 and 2024 have suggested that sale prices may again be on the rise. In general, individual prints typically fetch between £2,000 and £8,000, with prices reflecting both technical complexity and aesthetic impact.
Sultan’s Black Lemons (1984) series proves to be his most popular, due to the prints’ dramatic compositions and Sultan’s masterful use of flocking techniques to create deep, velvety black surfaces that capture and absorb light in unexpected ways. A print from 1st December 1984, marked as an artist’s proof, sold for £18,051 in 1989, more than double its high estimate. This sale maintains the record for a Sultan print, proving both the enduring value of artist’s and printer’s proofs, but also the popularity of this series. A print portfolio with a similar theme is Still Life With Pears And Lemons (1986), which combines one aquatint print with two photo-lithographs. In 1989, a set sold for £16,957 in New York.
Recent years show greater value attached to Sultan’s newer prints, particularly from the 2000s and early 2010s. Poppies (2011), a set of six colourful screenprints with hand-applied textures, sold for £15,155 in 2019. A similar series, 12 Colors (2007), comprising 12 screenprints, each featuring a different coloured poppy, sold for £14,169 as recently as September 2024. The popularity of these works, with their Warhol-esque compositions and striking use of colour is reflective of current market trends. Poppies are not the only popular floral subject matter in Sultan’s prints. Lantern flowers, fresias, and wallflowers (in works such as Wallflower 9 (2008)), also appear frequently in his most sought-after printed works.
Sultan’s Visual Poetics series (1998) and Fruit, Flowers, And A Fish print suite (1991) sustain fairly consistent mid-tier values. The latter includes prints such as Red Flowers (1991), Tulips (1990), and Fish (1991) - a full set of eight screenprints sold in 2020 for £6,000 in London. Visual Poetics, particularly in its original binding, rarely appears for sale on its own; however, in 2021, a set sold for £2,468.
The market shows special appreciation for prints that demonstrate Sultan's experimental approach to materials and scale. Works that incorporate flocking, industrial paints, or embossing typically add interest and appeal for collectors. A printer’s proof of Blues And Blacks (2008), featuring enamel inks, flocking, silica, and tar-like texture sold for £13,923 in 2023, significantly higher than standard editions of similar prints. This trend reflects growing recognition of Sultan's role in expanding the technical possibilities of contemporary printmaking.
How Do You Authenticate a Donald Sultan Print?
Donald Sultan's fusion of industrial processes with fine art printmaking requires specialised knowledge for accurate authentication. Beginning with provenance research, any documentation tracing the print's history becomes particularly valuable given Sultan's close relationships with specific print studios and galleries. Certificates of authenticity, gallery receipts, and exhibition history help establish a clear timeline of ownership and authenticity, and increase the estimated value when you come to sell your print.
Physical examination of Sultan's prints demands careful attention to his distinctive use of materials. Complex combinations of flocking, enamel, screenprinting, aquatint, and more, are unique to each edition, and require the knowledge of an expert appraiser to correctly identify. His collaborations with print studios, particularly Derriere L'Etoile in New York and Tyler Graphics, resulted in specific technical signatures that aid in verification, including studio stamps or blindstamps. Each studio maintained precise records of paper types, inks, and specialised materials like industrial flocking.
While no comprehensive catalogue raisonné currently exists for Sultan's prints, several authoritative sources can assist in verification. The archives of Tyler Graphics, now held by the National Gallery of Australia, contain detailed documentation of Sultan's printing processes and editions. Additionally, major galleries that have long associations with Sultan, such as Knoedler & Company, maintain extensive records that can help confirm authenticity, as do fine art publishers, including Parasol Press and Lococo Fine Art.
Edition & Signature
Sultan's approach to signing and numbering his prints reflects the same precision he brings to their creation. His signature typically appears just as an initial in pencil in the lower right margin, accompanied by the edition number written as a fraction and occasionally the work’s title. His print editions often range from 40 to 100 copies, with some special editions limited to as few as 10. Printer’s and artist’s proofs are typically limited to two.
Sultan's numbering system sometimes includes specific notations about printing techniques or materials used, particularly for works incorporating unusual elements like flocking or industrial paints. Artist's proofs, marked "AP," are highly valued by collectors, especially when they show variations in technique or material application that differ from the standard edition.
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Has Your Donald Sultan Print Been Kept in Good Condition?
The unconventional material properties of Donald Sultan's prints present unique challenges for preservation and condition assessment. His combination of traditional and industrial printing techniques creates works that require specialised understanding for proper evaluation and care. The flocking process, for example, which creates rich, velvety surfaces particularly notable in his Black Lemons series, requires careful handling to maintain its distinctive texture. These surfaces can be particularly susceptible to compression or abrasion damage, which might permanently alter their light-absorbing properties. Similarly, his use of industrial paints and specialised inks can react differently to environmental conditions than traditional printing inks, growing more brittle when exposed to light and heat.
The papers Sultan uses, such as Somerset Satin, are typically heavy-weight, archival-quality stocks chosen specifically to support his complex printing processes. These papers, while generally robust, can still develop foxing or acid burn, particularly around the edges. The substantial weight of the paper itself can make the prints more vulnerable to handling damage like creases and folds, especially in larger formats. Prints with deep embossing or relief elements can be permanently affected by accidental compression.
For prints incorporating metallic inks or industrial paints, exposure to fluctuating humidity levels can cause subtle changes in surface quality or adhesion. These materials may also age differently from traditional printing inks, making consistent environmental conditions particularly important for preservation. UV exposure can affect both traditional and industrial elements, potentially causing uneven fading or material degradation.
Proper storage requires prints to be kept flat in acid-free portfolios, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating temperature and humidity. When framing is necessary, UV-protective glazing and archival-quality mounting materials are essential. Given the complex material nature of Sultan's prints, regular assessment by qualified conservators can help prevent deterioration and maintain value.
For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Donald Sultan print, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My Donald Sultan Print?
Donald Sultan's transformation of everyday objects into eye-catching abstract forms has created an enduring market that responds predictably to certain cultural and institutional events. The timing of your sale can, therefore, significantly influence the final value achieved, making strategic planning essential.
Exhibitions such as Donald Sultan: New Works at McClain Gallery in Houston are known to coincide with periods of increased market value. Not only was this the first Sultan exhibition in Texas in 10 years, it also marked the release of new works by the artist. Sultan’s most prolific period of print sales, in 1989, followed the 1988 exhibition of his Black Lemons series at MoMA - this exhibition directly influenced the record sale of Black Lemons, Dec.1 (1984) in 1989. More generally, major exhibitions focusing on contemporary American printmaking or Post-War have the potential to generate increased collector interest if Sultan’s work is featured.
Significant sales of original paintings tend to inspire collectors with a sense of urgency. The £52,783 sale of Sultan's Disaster Paintings (1986) at Christie's New York in 2019 catalysed the print market, leading to exceptional results for his Reversal Poppies portfolio (2015) and a complete Black Lemons collection (1984) later that year.
The market shows particular seasonal patterns, with strong results typically achieved during the spring and autumn contemporary art sales in New York and London. These periods often coincide with major art fairs and gallery shows.
MyArtBroker offers advanced art tech tools to help you determine the optimal time to sell your Sultan print. Our MyPortfolio service features an AI-powered value indicator that provides real-time valuations of individual prints based on both public and private sales data. Combined with our complimentary valuations, we can help ensure your print achieves maximum value by selling at the perfect moment.
Where Can I Sell My Donald Sultan Print?
Selling a Donald Sultan Via a Broker
Art brokers specialising in contemporary American prints can offer a personalised approach to selling Sultan's work. These professionals often maintain networks of collectors specifically interested in innovative printmaking techniques and can facilitate private sales with discretion and efficiency. Their expertise can be particularly valuable for prints that showcase Sultan's experimental processes or incorporate unusual materials. Working with a broker typically involves lower fees than auction houses, generally ranging from 10% to 20%. This route offers greater flexibility in timing and pricing strategy, allowing sellers to adjust to market conditions without the pressure of public auction deadlines. When selecting a broker, prioritise those with demonstrated experience handling Sultan's work and understanding of both his technical innovations and market dynamics.
Selling a Donald Sultan Via Auction House
Major auction houses regularly feature Sultan's prints in their contemporary art sales, providing access to informed collectors worldwide. Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips maintain specialist expertise in contemporary American prints and understand the technical complexity of Sultan's work. The strength of these institutions is in the presentation, marketing, and reach of their expertise and their appeal to collectors. With a wide base of collectors and institutional contacts, auction houses continually attract serious buyers who will appreciate Sultan’s contributions to contemporary art. Their thorough cataloguing and condition reports address the specific technical aspects of Sultan's printing processes, particularly important for works incorporating unusual materials or techniques. However, auction house fees typically reach 25% of the hammer price, with additional costs for insurance, shipping, and marketing. Success depends heavily on current market conditions and the selection of an appropriate sale. There is the additional risk of a print failing to meet its reserve price, which could affect its future market value.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling a Donald Sultan Via Online Marketplace
Online platforms have expanded selling options but present unique challenges for prints as valuable as Sultan's. While these venues offer potentially quick sales with lower fees, they lack the expertise necessary to properly present and authenticate works incorporating specialised printing processes and industrial materials. Without proper authentication protocols and expert guidance, sellers risk undervaluing their work or attracting suspicious buyers. If considering an online sale, choose specialised fine art platforms with robust verification processes and experience handling contemporary prints. These platforms are more likely to attract serious collectors and provide necessary security measures. However, for rare or particularly valuable Sultan prints, traditional auction houses or specialist brokers remain more appropriate venues.
Why Sell Your Donald Sultan with MyArtBroker?
A Dedicated Broker
MyArtBroker offers a distinctive service connecting clients with their dedicated personal broker, ensuring a secure transaction through our online digital platform. Our specialists excel at sourcing direct buyers for consigned prints via our live trading floor, where users within our extensive network can express interest in specific prints and multiples by particular artists, whether they intend to sell, buy, or simply enquire about a specific print. Our team is approachable, passionate, and consistently provides updates on the art market and artists. We guide sellers through a seamless transaction process, establishing a fair market valuation based on realistic sale prices and offering free advice on the optimal timing for selling, leveraging our extensive knowledge of the art market.
Minimise Risk
At MyArtBroker, we prioritise transparency and security in every art sale. Our stringent due diligence process ensures the authentication and verification of artwork provenance, drawing upon our in-house expertise and collaborating with professional external contacts when needed. This approach effectively mitigates the risk of trading counterfeit or stolen art pieces. Additionally, we minimise the risks associated with public sales. While public auctions may seem appealing, unsold prints can harm an artist's market. Private sales eliminate this risk and enable quicker liquidity release for your artwork compared to adhering to strict auction schedules dictating when your work can be offered for sale.
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Our team of specialists offers tailored services to procure rare and special edition prints, catering to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the market. As part of our standard practice, we provide complimentary valuations and charge zero seller's fees, setting us apart from other private brokers and traditional auction houses. By minimising overhead costs, we allocate resources towards digital innovation and targeted marketing strategies within our network and house magazine.
When it comes to selling artwork, achieving the best price hinges on accessing a niche market with an established collector community. If you're looking to sell a print, turning to a specialist in the print market, like MyArtBroker, yields superior results compared to approaching an auction house, which caters to broader categories of artwork.
Our Network
Through our live trading floor we empower our network of collectors, fundamentally reshaping the art investment and trading landscape in the digital era. Offering real time market data and insights gleaned from worldwide collectors, we establish value based on convenience, accessibility, and the exceptional level of transparency and security provided to over tens of thousands of users.
Read our cohesive report to navigate the art market as a seller: A Guide to Selling Prints in the Current Market.
Donald Sultan Collection Management with MyPortfolio
In addition to our live trading floor, MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio serves as a collection management system, empowering collectors to curate and oversee their prints and editions collection. This feature grants users access to our print market database, uniquely tied to our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX. This algorithm scans and analyses both public auction and private sales data to determine real time valuations of individual print works, factoring in various aspects such as condition, colour, and other factors affecting value.
Read What Powers MyArtBroker's Technology? In Conversation With Stuart Jamieson, Financial Quant to learn more about our algorithm.
Donald Sultan
43 works
