Le Coquelicot © Kees Van Dongen 1960
Kees Van Dongen
15 works
Key Takeaways
Kees Van Dongen's prints, embodying his bold Fauvist style, maintain strong appeal in the art market. Individual works typically fetch between £2,000 and £10,000, with collections achieving up to £20,000. His most sought-after lithographs, particularly those featuring fashionable Parisian women, command premium prices. The record for a single Van Dongen print stands at £13,681, achieved by Le Collier De Perles (1924) in 2014. Rare hand-embellished prints and those from smaller editions often garner increased collector interest and higher prices. Value is also determined by condition assessment and authentication, with reference to the catalogue raisonné compiled by the Wildenstein Plattner Institute. Strategic timing of sales, such as during major retrospectives or renewed interest in Fauvism, can optimise returns for sellers.
Kees Van Dongen, a Dutch-French artist associated with Fauvism, is renowned for his vibrant, expressive portraits and scenes of Parisian nightlife. His prints capture the same bold use of colour and energetic style that characterise his paintings, offering collectors a more accessible entry point. This guide aims to provide sellers with valuable insights into the market for Van Dongen's prints, covering aspects of valuation, authentication, and effective selling strategies.
Van Dongen's artistic journey took him from his native Rotterdam to the heart of Paris' avant-garde scene in the early 20th century. His printmaking practice, which included lithographs and etchings, allowed him to explore and disseminate his unique style to a broader audience. Van Dongen's prints often feature the same subjects as his paintings: glamorous women, circus performers, and busy character-driven scenes. His bold use of colour and expressive linework translate well to the print medium, preserving the energy and immediacy of his painted works.
How Much Do Kees Van Dongen Prints Sell For?
Van Dongen’s work has a timeless quality that ensures it retains its value and remains popular with collectors of modern art. Individual prints by Van Dongen typically fetch between £2,000 and £10,000, with collections of prints achieving closer to £20,000.
Van Dongen's lithographs from the 1920s and 1930s, particularly those featuring portraits of fashionable Parisian women, are the most highly prized by collectors. For example, his print Le Collier De Perles (1924), a quintessential representation of his style, appears frequently at auction and always performs well. In 2014, a print from this edition sold for £13,681, three times its high estimate; and in 2015, a print sold for £11,000, almost double its high estimate, proving that Van Dongen’s work continues to exceed expectations. The 2014 sale is currently the record price achieved by a single Van Dongen print.
Collections of Van Dongen’s stylish international women are the most sought-after examples of his printed works. Six lithographs, including Parisienne (1927) and Maud (1927), all from editions of 120, sold in 2021 for £18,846. 10 years earlier, a similar set of five Femmes (1927) from a much smaller edition size of only 20, sold for £15,781, proving the general appreciation of even Van Dongen’s larger editions.
Van Dongen was known for embellishing some of his lithographs with hand-painted watercolours, giving collectors the opportunity to own a piece that is both a print and an original. Femme Au Chapeau (1920/30), which exists in an edition of only five, is a popular example of this - it sold for over £10,000 in 2020. Prints with embellishments and short editions such as this are expected to garner more collector interest, which will drive up prices during the sale process.
Van Dongen also produced portfolios of illustrations designed to be bound and kept together. Deauville (1927) is a popular example, reflecting the artist’s love for the French seaside resort. Printed using copper plates rather than Van Dongen’s usually preferred lithographic plates, this portfolio is a dreamy sequence of blue and green watercolour scenes. A complete set sold in 2011 for £13,006.
One of the most popular Van Dongen prints, however, is the iconic and instantly recognisable Le Coquelicot (1960). The popularity of this piece is somewhat unusual due to its recency, but its rich shades of red, the exaggeratedly feminine features of the subject, and its sense of mystery and allure mean that it continually appeals to collectors. Most recently, an artist proof of Le Coquelicot sold for £13,185 in 2022. Just two years earlier, a standard edition print sold for £11,853, proving that while artist proofs are generally more valuable, standard editions of Van Dongen’s work are too highly sought-after for the price difference to be significant.
Understanding the relative ebb and flow of Van Dongen’s work, both as a whole and as individual prints, is crucial to securing a fair sale price. Speaking to an expert in the artist’s work will help you establish an accurate estimate for your particular print and edition.
How Do You Authenticate a Kees Van Dongen Print?
There are several things needed for the authentication of your Van Dongen print: provenance documentation, the catalogue raisonné of Van Dongen’s work, confirmation of any printing marks and signatures, and technical analysis from an expert.
Provenance documentation often consists of a certificate of authenticity from the printing or publishing house that produced the print, gallery or auction house receipts from past sales, and exhibition history and catalogues if the piece has ever been on display. A professional appraiser would also compare the print against the definitive catalogue raisonné for Van Dongen’s work, which is being compiled by the Wildenstein Plattner Institute. This resource contains valuable information about the artist’s output, including technical details, edition sizes, any variations within editions, and photographs of signatures.
You should also verify the types of papers and ink used, where possible. Van Dongen used high-quality papers for all of his prints, including handmade wove papers that may not have markings. However, he often used Rives paper, which bears a watermark that is easy to identify. The paper may also bear evidence left by the printing studio or publishing house that produced the print. This may be as small as a stamp or chop marks, or it could be as significant as the type of paper and a difference in ink colours.
Edition & Signature
Kees Van Dongen's approach to signing and numbering his prints was fairly consistent throughout his career. He often signed in pencil on the lower right of the print. His signature typically appears as "van Dongen" in cursive or sometimes just "Dongen".
Edition numbers are usually found on the lower left, written as a fraction (e.g., 15/100). Van Dongen's print editions varied in size, with some limited to as few as 35 copies, while others reached 200 or more. Artist's proofs, often marked “E.A.” (épreuve d'artiste), are highly sought after by collectors.
It's worth noting that some of Van Dongen's prints, particularly those produced for book illustrations, may not be individually signed or numbered. In these cases, the presence of publisher's information and the print's inclusion in a documented series become particularly important for authentication.
Browse Kees Van Dongen prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about the print market growth on the MAB100 Print Index.
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Has Your Kees Van Dongen Print Been Kept in Good Condition?
Prints that have been kept in good condition are more likely to perform well when it comes to sell. Any damage, stains, or fading is likely to reduce the estimated price and potentially deter collectors. When assessing your Van Dongen print, start by examining the paper for any signs of damage or ageing. Look for discolouration, foxing (brown spots caused by oxidation), or acid burn, particularly around the edges.
Colour retention is particularly important for Van Dongen's prints, given his association with Fauvism and its emphasis on vivid, non-naturalistic colours. His lithographs, in particular, are renowned for their bold, saturated hues, so any fading or colour shift can be especially detrimental. This is a significant risk for prints that have been exposed to direct sunlight or harsh artificial light over extended periods.
Check for any surface imperfections such as creases, tears, or indentations, paying special attention to the margins of the print, as these areas are often prone to damage. Untrimmed margins can be a sign of a well-preserved print and can enhance its value.
Van Dongen's printmaking techniques, particularly his lithographs, involved layering colours to achieve complex, vibrant effects. Any damage or peel-away between these delicate layers can significantly impact the print's aesthetic quality and value. Look closely for any scratches or abrasions that might disrupt the surface of the ink.
Proper storage and display are essential for maintaining a Van Dongen print in good condition. Ideally, prints should be kept in acid-free portfolios, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity. If framed, UV-protective glass and acid-free matting are recommended to prevent light damage and acid migration.
For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Kees Van Dongen print, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My Kees Van Dongen Print?
When timing the sale of your Van Dongen print, consider the overall market and economy, as well as factors specific to the artist. Any uptick in Van Dongen’s cultural significance, be it in mainstream media or the art world, will likely boost collector interest. The market itself can be cyclical, with periods of heightened interest in certain movements or artists. For Van Dongen, his association with Fauvism and his unique portrayal of Parisian life often influence market trends.
Major exhibitions or retrospectives of Van Dongen's work are important to look out for. For example, the comprehensive retrospective at the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco in 2008-2009 sparked renewed international attention on Van Dongen's work. Equally, look out for exhibitions in new locations - the Van Dongen: A Fauve in the City exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts was the first Van Dongen exhibition in North America, opening his work up to a new potential audience.
Anniversary years related to significant moments in Van Dongen's career can also create opportune selling moments. For instance, 2027 will mark the 50th anniversary of Van Dongen's death, an event likely to prompt increased scholarly and public interest, potentially influencing the market.
One of the easiest ways to stay ahead of art market trends is by monitoring sales results and value trajectory reports on the websites of esteemed auction houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s. If there is a surge of interest in Van Dongen or Fauvism, it’s likely to show up here first.
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 Kees Van Dongen Print?
Selling a Kees Van Dongen Via a Broker
Art brokers specialising in early 20th-century prints can offer a more personalised approach to selling a Kees Van Dongen print. These art market professionals can develop tailored sales strategies based on their understanding of the Van Dongen market and their networks of collectors interested in Fauvism and modern European art. Brokers offer personalised service and expert guidance, with the potential for quicker sales than through auction houses. They also provide the ability to maintain discretion and privacy in the sale, which can be important for some sellers. Brokers can be particularly effective for selling Van Dongen prints that might appeal to a specific subset of collectors, such as those focused on Parisian scenes or portraits. Working with a broker typically involves lower fees compared to auction houses, generally ranging from 10% to 20%. While you might miss out on the broader exposure that public auctions provide, the expertise and network of a knowledgeable broker can be invaluable, especially for mid-range Van Dongen prints. When choosing a broker, look for those with a proven track record in handling Van Dongen's work and a deep understanding of the market for early 20th-century prints. Their expertise can be invaluable in positioning your print effectively and reaching the right collectors.
Selling a Kees Van Dongen Via Auction House
Major auction houses like Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips regularly feature Kees Van Dongen's work in their Impressionist and Modern Art sales, offering a global platform for your print. These prestigious institutions leverage their extensive networks to attract serious collectors from around the world. The competitive atmosphere of a live auction can be particularly advantageous for rare or historically significant Van Dongen prints, potentially driving prices higher than initially estimated. Auction houses provide access to a wide pool of qualified buyers and the potential for achieving high prices in a competitive environment. There's also prestige associated with major auction houses, which can be beneficial for high-value Van Dongen prints. Their ability to contextualise Van Dongen's work within the broader spectrum of early 20th-century modern art can enhance its appeal to collectors. However, selling through an auction house comes with certain considerations. Fees can be substantial, often reaching 25% of the hammer price. There's also the inherent unpredictability of auctions; your piece might exceed expectations or fail to meet its reserve price. You'll have limited control over the timing and presentation of the sale, as you'll need to adhere to the auction house's schedule and cataloguing process. For high-value Van Dongen prints, particularly rare early works or those with notable provenance, the auction route can be highly effective. However, ensure you understand the terms of consignment and any associated costs before proceeding.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling a Kees Van Dongen Via Online Marketplace
Online art marketplaces have grown in popularity, offering a platform for sellers to reach a global audience of art enthusiasts and collectors. These digital venues can be effective for more accessible Van Dongen prints, providing an opportunity for quick sales with lower fees compared to traditional channels. Online platforms allow you to control the listing details and pricing, with tools for showcasing high-quality images and detailed descriptions of the work. This can be particularly useful for highlighting the nuances of Van Dongen's printmaking techniques and the historical context of the piece. However, selling high-value artworks online comes with challenges. There's a risk of undervaluing the work due to platform limitations, and the lack of expert curation can make it difficult for exceptional pieces to stand out. Authentication concerns are also more pronounced in the online space. For Van Dongen prints of significant value or rarity, online marketplaces should be approached with caution. If considering this route, opt for specialised platforms that focus on fine art prints and have robust authentication processes in place. These platforms are more likely to attract serious collectors and provide the necessary security measures for high-value transactions.
Why Sell Your Kees Van Dongen 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.
Kees Van Dongen 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.
