Louise Bourgeois Value: Top Prices Paid at Auction

Bourgeois' towering spider sculptures epitomise her iconic body of work, evoking both awe and unease with their conceptual design. Despite their imposing size, they offer a sense of shelter and elegance, captivating viewers. This particular sculpture, part of a limited edition, achieved £26.4 million at Sotheby's in May 2023, setting Bourgeois' auction record. Additional editions sold for £24.9 million at Christie's in May 2019 and £18.6 million, also at Christie's in November 2015. These staggering prices reflect the enduring international appeal of Bourgeois' art and the profound impact of her sculptural legacy.

Exuding a commanding presence akin to her towering sculptures, Spider IV (1996) embodies the unique allure of Bourgeois' artistry. Its intricate wall mount configuration animates the piece, with its extended, curved, and coiled limbs evoking a lifelike quality. Reflecting Bourgeois' recurring themes, this artwork achieved notable success at Sotheby's Hong Kong in April 2022, fetching an impressive £13.1 million (fees included). This marks a significant increase from its previous sale at Sotheby’s in November 2017, where it sold for £11.1 million (fees included). These sales secure Spider IV as Bourgeois' fourth and fifth highest-selling masterpieces, part of an edition of six plus one Artist Proof (AP).

Bourgeois' Spider II (1995) demonstrated its enduring popularity with an impressive sale at Christie's in November 2017, fetching £8.7 million (fees included) and claiming its position as Bourgeois’ fifth highest-selling masterpiece. Unlike Spider IV (1996), this variation portrays the spider in a poised state, with all limbs fully extended, suggesting a frozen moment in time. This metaphorical suspension resonates with Bourgeois' recurring theme of memory, integral to her exploration of familial connections. Clinging to the wall with sinuous legs, Spider II captivates with its intricate form, prompting reflection and analysis as viewers engage with its profound symbolism.

Bourgeois' artistic journey encompasses the Personages series, marking her sculptural debut at Peridot Gallery New York in 1949. Among these, Quarantania emerged as a clustered composition comprising five delicate bone-like structures protruding from a base, featuring distinctive blue-painted hollows carved into various segments. This presentation transcends minimalist boundaries, urging viewers to contemplate the materiality of the work and perceive their physical attributes as emotionally charged entities within our lived experiences. In 2012, Personages were exhibited at Kukje Gallery in Seoul, highlighting their international appeal. Consequently, Quarantania achieved a significant sale at Seoul Auction in 2018, fetching an impressive £6.5 million (hammer).

Spider III (1995) emerges as a rare gem in Bourgeois' dynamic sculptural repertoire. Typically, Bourgeois crafted the initial edition from steel, serving as a prototype before casting it in bronze. This steel sculpture exudes resilience, symbolising a protective womb. At Christie's in March 2018, it fetched £4.7 million (fees included), marking its second appearance on the secondary market after a previous sale at Christie's in May 2012 for £2.8 million (fees included). Moreover, a larger-sized bronze rendition sold for £4.5 million (fees included) at Sotheby's in May 2016. These sales underscore the growing value and desirability of Bourgeois' iconic works.

Spider I stands as the pinnacle of Bourgeois' acclaimed Spider series. This wall-mounted relief portrays the arachnid's graceful movement, balancing unease with elegance. Bourgeois masterfully captures the spider's intricate anatomy, evoking both fascination and discomfort. At Sotheby's in November 2014, Spider I fetched an impressive £4.4 million (fees included), attesting to its enduring appeal and Bourgeois' profound artistic legacy.

Diverging from Bourgeois' familiar spider sculptures, Arch Of Hysteria (1993) showcases her sculptural versatility and ambition. Suspended with ethereal grace, this headless figure exudes a luminous quality, its exaggerated arch revealing finely defined musculature. The elongated arms, stretching to the figure's feet, symbolise the transcendent nature of human form. Exhibited widely and held in esteemed private collections and museums, this sculpture represents a convergence of anatomical and geometric perfection. At Sotheby's in May 2019, Arch Of Hysteria sold for £4.3 million (fees included), a testament to its enduring appeal and Bourgeois' artistic prowess.

Returning to the arachnid motif central to Bourgeois' oeuvre, Spider V (1999) emerges as one of her most acclaimed and commercially successful sculptures. Distinguished by its robust form and lifelike presence, this steel creation exhibits subtle variations in size, yet maintains an elegant equilibrium. Perched delicately on its slender legs, Spider V exudes an air of both fascination and trepidation. At Christie's in May 2021, this captivating work achieved a notable sale price of £3.9 milllion (fees included), reaffirming its significance within Bourgeois' body of work and its enduring appeal among collectors.

Black Flames (1947-1949) exudes a totemic essence reminiscent of a flickering candle, suggesting an abstract human form akin to Bourgeois' broader Personages series. Evoking themes of identity, family, desire, and fear, this artwork epitomises Bourgeois' profound exploration of human emotions. Its tactile materiality eloquently communicates these intricate concepts, offering viewers a profound sensory experience.

Emerging from the esteemed Paul G. Allen private collection, Black Flames graced the Christie's auction block in November 2022, exceeding £3 million (fees included). This sale solidifies its status as one of Bourgeois' most prized and sought-after creations.

Illustrating her profound fascination with the human psyche, Bourgeois's Eye Benches I (1996-1997) epitomises her exploration of collective consciousness. Symbolising interconnected human experiences, the sculpture features two open eyelids, inspired by Bourgeois's observations of the impact of eye contact between strangers. By transforming the piece into functional benches, she encourages viewers to engage in this voyeuristic encounter. This artwork reflects Bourgeois's ability to translate abstract concepts into tangible forms that resonate within their environment. Eye Benches I achieved significant acclaim and fetched £2.7 million (fees included) at Sotheby's in June 2020, solidifying its status among Bourgeois's most prized works.