A Buyer's Guide To Gerhard Richter

Richter is regarded as one of the most influential living artists, creating groundbreaking works since the 1960s. His art navigates two key themes: Photorealism and Abstraction, with much of his success stemming from his ability to communicate broad concepts through “readymade” images and his distinctive squeegee wiping technique, most notably seen in his Abstraktes Bild series. Richter’s early works are also highly sought after, utilising a reproduction technique reminiscent of Pop Art by transforming photographs into paintings and editions, often featuring landscapes, still lifes, and intimate moments–many of which are archived in his Atlas project, a collection of news photos, advertisements, and colour swatches he began in the 1960s. Since representing Germany at the 1972 Venice Biennale, Richter has consistently offered collectors a unique interplay of artistic genres and innovation, a legacy that is strongly reflected in his prints and editions, further cementing their prominence in the market.

Richter’s prints offer a compelling investment opportunity, backed by a career spanning six decades and a presence that dominates both the primary and secondary art markets. His work regularly features at major international art fairs, represented by mega galleries including Thaddaeus Ropac, David Zwirner, and Gagosian. While his large-scale paintings have proven to consistently achieve multi-million dollar sales at auction, the value is often driven by the intricate surface quality and texture that characterise his abstract works. As fewer of Richter’s top-tier original works come to market, interest in his limited edition prints has increased, with his collaboration with HENI Editions reflecting a growing demand for prints as a medium. This publishing partnership also highlights Richter’s ongoing interest in reinterpreting images and exploring materiality through innovative methods.

In 2023, over 200 Richter prints were sold publicly on the secondary market, with only 44 remaining unsold, resulting in an impressive 80% sell-through rate for his print market. This performance reflects the demand for his works, particularly in the print sector. Below are some of the most sought-after and trending prints, which we anticipate will continue their popularity well into 2025:

Strip 920-4: This large-scale print, nearly 3 metres wide, exemplifies Richter's groundbreaking Strip series. Strip 920-4, an early and pinnacle piece in this series, showcases a vibrant interplay of green, pink, yellow, and white tones. Derived from Abstraktes Bild (724-4) (1990), each print in this series is uniquely numbered, offering individualised colour schemes and sizes, further enhancing their rarity and desirability. In 2021, this piece set the auction record for a Richter print, selling for over £1 million.

Kerze II (Candle II): This work marks an evolution of Richter's photorealistic Kerze (candle) images. In Kerze II, realism is seamlessly merged with abstraction, while also incorporating recognisable imagery that nods to Pop Art, creating a rich blend of aesthetic styles. Some view the candle as a symbol of resistance against East Germany’s regime, though its enduring popularity is also linked to its use as the cover art for Sonic Youth’s Daydream Nation. Rarely seen on the market, Kerze II set a record in 2022 when it sold for £106,000 at Christie’s, with its most recent auction appearance that December.

Cage Grid I, Single Part J: This print is one segment of the complete Cage Grid I set, consisting of 16 individual parts. The full set achieved a price of £529,412 in November 2022. As the collection has been broken up, matching individual prints from the edition has become increasingly rare, pushing their value higher. Each part is numbered individually (A–O), and single prints can now fetch upwards of £100,000 due to their scarcity and the appeal of completing the set, especially with matching edition numbers.

Authenticating a Richter print requires careful attention to detail and a strong understanding of the artist’s documentation process. Richter has collaborated with renowned galleries and publishers, including HENI Editions and various European galleries, making it crucial to verify the provenance of any print. His official website serves as a valuable digital archive of his extensive collection, established in 2017 in cooperation with the Gerhard Richter Archive in Dresden. This resource is particularly useful for researching his prints and editions, though it does not provide direct authentication services. However, the archive meticulously catalogues each of his works, making it an essential tool for verifying legitimacy. Every artwork has been systematically documented and numbered since 1962, following the strict standards set by Richter himself.

It's important to note that not all of Richter's prints are signed, which can be a critical factor when assessing authenticity. Knowing how many prints in the edition were signed versus unsigned is essential for proper evaluation. Richter has also published a six volume catalogue raisonné, which should be referenced when considering a purchase. Buyers should also be aware that Richter does not recognise any works created before 1961, and considers everything produced before then outside his official body of work. As such, there is no legitimate market for pre-1961 pieces, and they rarely, if ever, appear for sale. Authenticating a Richter print requires careful research, but with well-documented resources, the process becomes more manageable. Get In touch with us to speak with one of our specialists.

Assessing the condition of any print requires close attention, as improper handling can lead to irreversible damage. Begin by inspecting the surface for visible signs of wear, such as creases, tears, discolouration, or fading. Pay particular attention to the edges, as they are often the most vulnerable to damage. Whenever possible, view the print unframed to fully evaluate the paper quality and check for any hidden imperfections that may have been caused by improper framing or mounting. Condition issues can significantly affect the value of a print, so careful handling is essential. In the case of Richter's prints, older works from the 1960s Atlas prints may naturally show signs of wear and should be handled with extra care. His Strip works, mounted on perspex, are also prone to damage due to the material’s fragility and should be examined carefully. Additionally, his earliest Cage editions, produced by HENI, were mechanically produced to a high standard, so any signs of damage in these prints can directly impact their value.

For high-value works like Richter’s, it is always advisable to consult a professional. Specialists can offer a detailed analysis, assessing colour consistency, paper quality, and authenticity markers. For further guidance, you can visit The Directory for expert advice on print condition assessments, conservation, framing, and more.

Whether you're an experienced collector or making your first purchase, it's crucial to choose a reliable source. Galleries and auction houses are trusted options, but their premiums can be quite steep, sometimes reaching up to 25%.

At MyArtBroker, we offer the expertise of working with a specialist while providing the convenience of online buying at fair market value. Our specialists can help you acquire a Richter print through our global network of sellers, outside of peak auction seasons and assisting with provenance, authenticity, and condition verification to ensure a secure purchase.

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At MyArtBroker, we provide a seamless and secure experience for buyers by connecting you directly with our expert specialists. Whether you're looking to acquire a specific Richter print to start or grow your collection, our dedicated team will guide you through our extensive network of collectors who buy and sell daily. We conduct thorough condition checks and authenticate the artwork, ensuring you can purchase with confidence. We also manage the delivery process, offering the trust of working with a specialist alongside the convenience and transparency of an efficient online platform.

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Our global network encompasses over 30,000 collectors, dealers, galleries, and independent experts actively buying and selling Richter works daily. In collaboration with these partners, we ensure access to the most sought-after and authentic Richter prints. With over 75,000 visitors to our website each month, we consistently publish updates on market trends, new releases, auction results, and expert insights. We also provide comprehensive biographies and detailed essays on Richter’s editions.

MyArtBroker has access to a wide network of art collectors offering Richter artworks. If you're interested in purchasing a Richter print, contact us, and we’ll expertly guide you through the process.

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