Wind © Gunther Uecker 1999
Gunther Uecker
21 works
Key Takeaways
Gunther Uecker's prints demonstrate consistent market strength, with individual works typically fetching between £3,000 and £10,000, while rare editions and complete portfolios achieve significantly higher values. His most recent record sale, Both (2019), reached £36,938, while his Huldigung An Hafez (2015) portfolio achieved £57,084. Authentication requires examination of paper quality and printing technique, with documentation from established galleries like Galerie Denise René carrying particular weight. The ongoing catalogue raisonné by Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen will provide additional authentication resources. Strategic timing of sales can significantly influence returns, with notable value increases following major exhibitions and new artwork releases, as demonstrated by the market surge following his 2022 Shields series. His nail-relief prints command the highest prices, though prints post-2000 consistently achieve strong results across all techniques.
Gunther Uecker transformed nails, light, and shadow into innovative, genre-defying art. Though best known for his nail-relief sculptures, his prints demonstrate equal innovation, transforming the concepts of his three-dimensional works into sophisticated works on paper. Through experimental relief printing and embossing techniques, he achieved surfaces that capture the same interplay of light and shadow that characterises his sculptural pieces. This guide aims to help sellers navigate the market for Uecker's prints, providing insights into valuation, authentication, and effective selling strategies.
Uecker's printmaking practice developed alongside his involvement with Group ZERO in the early 1960s, as part of their broader investigation into light, movement, and space. Working with specialist print studios in Düsseldorf and Berlin, he created prints that went beyond simple reproduction, incorporating structural patterns and a deep expressiveness that echoed his work with nails. These prints, with their distinctive raised surfaces and optical effects, represent a significant chapter in post-war printmaking. As one of the last living members of Group ZERO, his prints have taken on renewed significance for collectors seeking important works from this pivotal moment in European Modernism.
How Much Do Gunther Uecker Prints Sell For?
The strong market for Uecker’s prints reflects the uniqueness of his work. Individual prints typically fetch between £3,000 and £10,000, with sets of prints often achieving over £15,000. His most sought-after works are those that most closely relate to his sculptural practice. Works that featured embossing and relief elements, such as nail patterns, bring the viewer closer to the hand of the artist than traditional prints.
Uecker’s later work, post-2000, occupies many of the print sale value top spots. His 2002 Graphein portfolio has appeared multiple times at auction in the past five years, selling more recently for £31,762 in June 2024. As a bound collection of prints, this portfolio has the unique benefit of being covered and therefore self-protecting, ensuring the condition of the prints, particularly the embossing, remains intact.
Uecker’s nail-relief prints are his best-known. Devoid of colour, focused on the interplay of light and shadow within whatever space they are displayed, these pieces are highly sought after by collectors. Huldigung An Hafez (2015), a collection of 42 nail-relief prints sold at auction in Munich for £57,084 in 2017, setting the record for the highest-value Uecker print sale. In 2022, however, the record was set for the highest-value individual print sale - Both (2019), one of Uecker’s most recent releases, sold for £36,938.
2022 also saw the impressive estimate-doubling sale of Untitled (Spiral) (2010), which is perhaps one of the best examples of Uecker’s nail-relief prints in existence. The print sold for £32,410 in Cologne. Other prints from this edition sold for £23,969 in 2024 and £23,132 in 2019. Other popular nail-relief prints include Wind (1999); in 2020, a very low-numbered print sold for £18,324.
Uecker’s nail-relief prints are not the only sought-after prints from his oeuvre, although prices tend to be lower for printed rather than embossed works. His expressive, textured, colourful Ouroboros series (2018), named after the motif of a snake biting its own tail, is popular, with individual prints from this series selling as recently as 2021 for over £4,000. Another popular piece, Optische Partitur Ulm (2000), resembling chaotic sheet music, sold in 2018 for £4,831.
The strong performance of both Uecker's historical and more recent releases suggests a market that values his established artistic legacy and continued innovation. With eight of his top ten print sales occurring in the past five years, sellers can expect a promising return on investment.
How Do You Authenticate A Gunther Uecker Print?
Authentication of Uecker prints requires careful examination of both the physical characteristics of the print and any documentation that accompanies it. Begin by gathering all available documentation relating to the print's history of ownership and exhibition, including certificates of authenticity, gallery receipts, and exhibition records. Uecker's long association with Galerie Denise René in Paris and Galerie der Spiegel in Cologne means that documentation from these sources carries particular weight.
The physical examination should focus on paper quality and printing technique. Uecker typically uses heavy-weight German papers, or handmade laid paper, thick enough to withstand the pressure required for his embossing and relief printing processes. Each print studio he works with maintains specific technical standards and often leaves identifying marks or stamps that can help verify authenticity. Uecker’s various relationships with publishers, such as Edition Kunstverlag Till Breckner in Düsseldorf, will ensure that each edition comes with its own unique certification that can be verified by an expert appraiser or the publishing house itself.
As a living, working artist, a comprehensive catalogue raisonné of Uecker’s work does not yet exist, an ongoing catalogue is being compiled by the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen. This volume will detail all of Uecker’s 5000+ works, including information about subsequent prints. Institutions such as the ZERO Foundation, centred upon preserving and continuing the ZERO period that Uecker is so heavily invested in, can also assist in establishing authenticity and tracing your print’s history.
Edition and Signature
Uecker's approach to signing and numbering his prints remained remarkably consistent throughout his career. His signature typically appears in pencil in the lower right corner, characterised by clear lettering, often accompanied by a number pertaining to Uecker’s own records. Edition numbers are usually written as fractions in the lower left. Print editions generally range from 30 to 120 copies, though some experimental works from the 1960s were produced in smaller numbers. As with all blue chip artist prints, significant edition numbers (particularly the first and last prints from an edition) often achieve higher prices.
Artist's proofs, marked "AP" or "EA," are particularly valued by collectors due to their rarity and their status as test prints where Uecker often explored variations in pressure and relief techniques. Some prints also bear blind stamps or embossed marks from the print studios where they were produced, such as Erker Presse in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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Has Your Gunther Uecker Print Been Kept In Good Condition?
The condition of Uecker prints demands particularly careful preservation and assessment due to their often complex surface textures and relief elements. Uecker prints frequently incorporate deep embossing and pressure points with three-dimensional results, making them especially vulnerable to damage from improper handling or storage.
Uecker primarily used heavyweight German etching papers from Hahnemühle and Zerkall, chosen specifically for their ability to hold sharp relief impressions without tearing, as well as handmade papers with deckled edges and layers that may begin to peel away. These papers are vulnerable to environmental factors, despite being thick and fairly sturdy.
The deep embossing in many of his prints can create stress points in the paper that may develop into tears if not properly supported during storage and display. Any flattening of embossed areas will disrupt Uecker’s intended interplay of light and shadow, significantly diminishing both the artistic impact and market value of the print.
Temperature fluctuations, prolonged exposure to light, and changes in humidity pose the greatest threats to Uecker prints. Moisture can warp the paper, and direct natural or artificial light can yellow the surface and cause any printing ink pigments to fade. As such, keeping your print in a controlled environment could prove crucial to securing a high resale value.
For proper preservation, prints should be stored flat in acid-free portfolios, with protective interleaving sheets between each work. If framed, the mounting must allow space for relief elements without pressing them flat. UV-protective glazing is essential, and frames should be deep enough to prevent the glass from touching any raised areas of the print.
For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Gunther Uecker print, contact MyArtBroker.
When Is The Best Time To Sell My Gunther Uecker Print?
The market for Uecker's prints responds strongly to major exhibitions and institutional recognition of his work, as well as the release of new original works and print series. Recent years have seen increasing appreciation for post-war German art, particularly works associated with Group ZERO and the ZERO Foundation, encouraging collectors and creating favourable conditions for sellers.
Significant exhibitions can spark renewed interest and potentially drive up prices on the secondary market. The 2020 Günther Uecker: Lichtbogen exhibition at the Lévy Gorvy Gallery in Paris, for example, was the first solo exhibition of Uecker’s work in the city since 1968. Such rare solo exhibitions typically generate renewed critical attention and collector interest, leading to notable increases in print values. His works' inclusion in broader survey exhibitions of post-war European art has also reinforced his historical importance and market strength.
The release of new original works can significantly impact print values across Uecker's entire market. This pattern was clearly demonstrated in 2022, his strongest year for print sales to date, which coincided with the release of his Shields series of nail paintings. Three of his top five print sales occurred in the months following this release, highlighting how current artistic activity can enhance the value of earlier works. Timing sales to align with periods of heightened attention to Uecker's contemporary practice is, therefore, recommended.
Seasonal patterns in the art market suggest that spring and autumn typically offer the strongest opportunities for sales, coinciding with major art fairs and auction seasons in Europe. However, private sales through established dealers can succeed year-round, particularly when working with specialists who understand the nuances of Uecker's market.
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 Gunther Uecker Print?
Selling A Gunther Uecker Via A Broker
Art brokers with expertise in post-war European art offer a more targeted approach to selling Uecker prints. These specialists maintain networks of collectors specifically interested in Group ZERO artists and German abstract art. Their focused understanding of Uecker's market enables them to position prints effectively, highlighting unique characteristics such as relief techniques or connections to his sculptural work. Broker fees typically range from 10% to 20%, generally lower than auction house charges. Private sales also offer greater flexibility in timing and discretion in pricing. This route can be particularly effective for prints from specific periods or those with unusual characteristics that might appeal to specialist collectors. Experienced brokers can also manage complex aspects of the sale, including authentication, condition assessment, and secure transportation.
Selling A Gunther Uecker Via Auction House
Major auction houses in Germany and across Europe regularly feature Uecker's prints in their post-war and contemporary art sales. Houses like Ketterer Kunst in Munich and Grisebach in Berlin have particular expertise with German post-war artists, while international houses like Christie's and Sotheby's place Uecker's work within broader European art movements. The competitive atmosphere of live auctions, especially for rare works from the ZERO period, can drive prices beyond initial estimates. Auction houses provide extensive marketing reach through their catalogues and international preview events, attracting serious collectors who understand Uecker's historical significance. However, substantial fees, often exceeding 25% of the hammer price, can significantly impact returns. The inherent unpredictability of auctions means your print might exceed expectations or fail to meet its reserve price. Print sales are typically concentrated in spring and autumn, which could mean waiting months for an appropriate sale date.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling A Gunther Uecker Via Online Marketplace
Online platforms have transformed the art market, but present unique challenges for selling Uecker's prints. While digital venues might offer lower fees and broader reach, they often lack the expertise necessary to properly authenticate and value complex prints from this period. For significant Uecker prints, particularly those with relief elements or from his early career, online sales should be approached with caution. If considering this route, choose specialised fine art platforms with established track records handling post-war German prints. These platforms should demonstrate robust authentication processes and the ability to connect with serious collectors who understand the market for works from this period.
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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.
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Gunther Uecker 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.
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