Man On A Plain © Erich Heckel 1914
Erich Heckel
43 works
Key Takeaways
Erich Heckel's prints, especially his early woodcuts from the Die Brücke period, can command high prices at auction, sometimes reaching several hundred thousand pounds. Authenticating Heckel's work involves consulting the catalogue raisonné Erich Heckel: Das graphische Werk by Annemarie and Wolf-Dieter Dube, examining his distinctive signatures and edition numbers, and checking for publisher stamps from renowned ateliers. The condition of the print, including factors like foxing, fading, and proper storage, greatly affects its value. Selling during times of heightened interest, such as major exhibitions or anniversaries, can maximise returns. Heckel’s major exhibitions, like the one at MoMA in 2014 or significant anniversaries such as the 50th anniversary of his death in 2018, have been shown to boost market interest and prices. MyArtBroker offers dedicated brokers, 0% seller fees, and advanced tools like MyPortfolio for real-time valuations, ensuring a secure and optimal sale process for Heckel prints.
Erich Heckel rose to prominence as a founding member of the Die Brücke movement in Dresden. His artistic repertoire spanned a diverse range of subjects, from intimate portraits and nudes to vibrant urban landscapes. This seller's guide aims to navigate you through the intricacies of valuing and selling a Heckel print, ensuring you secure an optimal price for these coveted pieces of art history.
As a pioneering German Expressionist, Heckel’s style is characterised by bold colours and emotive brushwork. His creative process, rooted in spontaneity, often led him to work en plein air, capturing landscapes and figures with swift, energetic strokes. Particularly influential were his woodcuts and lithographs, which often stand in stark contrast to his paintings, with simplified monochromatic forms that epitomise the Expressionist ethos. Heckel's enduring impact on modern art continues to fuel interest in his portfolio, sustaining a robust market for his prints.
How Much Do Erich Heckel Prints Sell For?
Heckel’s printmaking career spanned over six decades. He initially focused on woodcuts depicting figures and landscapes as part of his Die Brücke period (1905-13). By the 1920s, he had turned to the medium of lithography, which allowed for more nuanced tonal variations. As such, he began producing urban scenes and introspective portraits. After World War II, his work became much more restrained. His subjects became quieter, with a greater focus on nature. Despite these clear phases in his printmaking career, Heckel consistently experimented with new techniques, with many etchings, xylographs, and drypoints regularly appearing at auction to this day.
Heckel prints command varying prices in the art market, depending on factors such as rarity, condition, and provenance. His early woodcuts, particularly those from the Die Brücke period, are typically the most sought-after and valuable. Prices can range from a few thousand pounds for later lithographs to several hundred thousand for rare, well-preserved woodcuts. For instance, Heckel's woodcut Two Resting Women (1909) fetched over £300,000 at auction in 2012, 2019, and 2021. In 2021, this was a generous £50,000 above its high estimate, suggesting a comfortable growth in demand. However, mid-range prints from the 1920s and 1930s might sell for £10,000 to £50,000. As a general rule, woodcuts produced between 1909 and 1920 achieve the highest prices. Other examples of popular, high-value prints from this era include Fränzi Lying (1910), its variant Tränzi Lying (1910), and Standing Child (1910).
It is worth noting that the market can fluctuate, and individual pieces may exceed these ranges if they have exceptional historical significance or provenance; equally, concerns about Nazi-era provenance have occasionally affected the saleability of some pieces. Potential sellers should consult current auction results and expert appraisals for the most accurate valuation of specific Heckel prints.
How Do You Authenticate an Erich Heckel
Authenticating an Erich Heckel print requires careful examination and specialist knowledge. Provenance is crucial; tracing the print's ownership history can provide valuable authentication evidence. The definitive reference for verification is Erich Heckel: Das graphische Werk, the catalogue raisonné compiled by Annemarie and Wolf-Dieter Dube. Published in 1974 and expanded in 1991, this comprehensive catalogue documents Heckel's graphic work, providing essential information on techniques, papers, and editions. However, be aware that posthumous prints and potential forgeries exist in the market. For conclusive authentication, it is advisable to consult recognised Heckel experts or reputable auction houses with specific expertise in German Expressionist prints.
Edition and Signature
There are key things to look out for when validating the signature and edition of a Heckel print. Begin by inspecting Heckel's signature, typically found in pencil below the image. The signature's style evolved over time, changing from the bolder marks of his Die Brücke period to more restrained forms in later years. Next, locate the print number, usually written as a fraction, indicating the print's position in the edition. Examine the paper quality and any watermarks, as Heckel often used high-grade materials. For woodcuts, observe the characteristic bold lines and simplified forms typical of his style.
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Has Your Ercih Heckel Print Been Kept in Good Condition?
The condition of a Heckel print significantly impacts its value and desirability in the art market. Assess the print for common signs of damage or deterioration, such as foxing (brown spots caused by chemical reactions in the paper), yellowing, or fading of colours. Check for any tears, creases, or water damage. As with all works on paper, Heckel's prints can be affected by environmental factors over time. His woodcuts from the Die Brücke period often feature bold, high-contrast designs that may withstand wear and light damage better than his later, more delicate lithographs. Examine the margins of the print; intact, full margins are preferable. For coloured prints, ensure the registration is correct, as misalignment can indicate poor-quality reproductions.
The print's mounting and framing history is also crucial; improper mounting can lead to acid burn or other forms of degradation. Ideally, the print should have been stored in a controlled environment, protected from excessive light, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. If conservation work has been carried out, ensure it was done professionally and is reversible. Documenting the print's condition with high-resolution photographs can be valuable for both authentication and potential sale purposes.
If you're unsure about your print's condition, it's wise to consult a professional conservator specialising in works on paper. They can provide a detailed condition report and offer valuable advice on preservation. For advice on how to get started, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My Erich Heckel Print?
The optimal time to sell a Heckel print often coincides with heightened public interest in German Expressionism or Heckel specifically. Major exhibitions can significantly influence market prices. For instance, a 2014 exhibition, German Expressionism: The Graphic Impulse, at MoMA in New York sparked renewed interest in Heckel's prints. Similarly, a 2019 show, Expressionism in Germany and France: From Van Gogh to Kandinsky, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art boosted visibility for Die Brücke artists. In fact, it was around this time that Two Resting Women (1909) achieved its record price of £342,146 at auction at Christie’s New York.
Anniversaries of key events in Heckel's career can also drive up prices; 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of his death, leading to several commemorative exhibitions and increased market activity. The art market generally experiences seasonal fluctuations, with spring and autumn typically being more active. However, online auctions have somewhat levelled these traditional patterns. To track upcoming auctions, and assess auction results, visit the websites of auction houses such as Christie’s, Bonham’s, Phillips, and Sotheby’s - each produces its own value trajectory reports.
MyArtBroker offers advanced art tech tools to help you determine the optimal time to sell. 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 Erich Heckel Print?
Selling an Erich Heckel Via Auction House
Auction houses are a popular choice for selling Erich Heckel prints due to their expertise and extensive market base. They provide accurate valuations and attract serious buyers. The competitive nature of auctions can potentially drive up the value of your work beyond initial estimates, resulting in a healthy return. However, auction sales come with significant drawbacks. Fees are often high, frequently exceeding 25% for marketing, storage, condition checks, and seller commissions. Auctions also operate on strict schedules and may limit the number of prints by the same artist in a single sale. This can cause delays and affect liquidity. There's always a risk that your artwork may not sell, which can impact its value and the artist's market.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling an Erich Heckel Via a Broker
Selling via a broker or private dealer can provide a more personalised experience than public auctions. Many brokers have extensive art market or auction house experience and maintain a client base that can attract potential buyers for your Heckel print. Brokers offer comprehensive guidance throughout the process, from initial valuation to final transaction. Their expertise can be invaluable in navigating the art market, helping to maximise your print's potential. It's crucial to choose a reputable broker with specific expertise in the Erich Heckel market to achieve optimal results. While broker fees typically range from 10% to 30% of the sale price and often require exclusivity agreements, their specialist knowledge and connections can justify this investment. To find a reputable Heckel specialist, seek recommendations from established galleries familiar with the artist's work.
Selling an Erich Heckel Via a Broker
With advancements in online and art technology, many sellers are turning to the convenience of digital platforms. However, general online marketplaces like eBay present significant risks and challenges for selling valuable artworks. These unregulated platforms lack the safeguards and expertise found in reputable galleries or auction houses. Sellers must independently manage complex issues such as shipping, condition reporting, and pricing strategies - tasks typically handled by professionals in traditional art markets. The absence of expert authentication services leaves both buyers and sellers vulnerable to forgeries and scams. Even when selling genuine artworks with proper documentation, inadequate marketing, poor-quality photographs, and ineffective item descriptions can significantly reduce the final sale price.
Before choosing any selling method, it's advisable to consult with art market professionals to understand the current demand for prints and determine the best approach for your specific artwork.
Why Sell Your Erich Heckel 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.
0% Seller's Fess, 100% of the Time
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.
Erich Heckel Collection Management wirh 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.
Emerging art tech tools are vital in navigating the current, and evolving, digital art market landscape. For instance, by adding Erich Heckel prints from our website to your MyPortfolio dashboard, users gain insight into unique sale opportunities and observe market performance and fluctuations as they happen, streamlining the sales process effortlessly. Our pioneering technology has revolutionised art portfolio management, making it more accessible and equipping users with data-driven insights for informed decisions. MyArtBroker harnesses cutting-edge technology driven by data, coupled with a team of industry experts, to deliver an exceptional experience. Our professionals work closely with clients, utilising the MyPortfolio dashboard, to provide personalised guidance for creating a profitable art collection. By merging technology and expertise, we are committed to offering unparalleled curation and customer service.
Erich Heckel
43 works
