Lithographie No. 33 © Pierre Soulages 1974
Pierre Soulages
29 works
Key Takeaways
Pierre Soulages' prints, particularly his Outrenoir pieces, are highly valued, with prices ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of pounds. Following his death in 2022, auction prices have surged, exemplified by the record sale of Eau-Forte XLI (1998) in April 2023. Authenticating Soulages' prints involves checking signatures, edition numbers, and consulting the catalogue raisonné "Pierre Soulages: l'œuvre imprimé." Collaborations with renowned French printing houses like Mourlot add provenance. The condition is critical, as Soulages' deep blacks and textures are susceptible to damage; proper storage and professional conservation are essential. Optimal selling times align with significant exhibitions and increased market interest.
Pierre Soulages was renowned for challenging widespread conceptions about colour, form, and light. He was born in 1919 in Rodez, France, and began his artistic career in the 1940s, emerging as a pioneering figure in post-war European art. For collectors looking to sell Soulages prints, this guide offers insights on determining the optimal time and place to sell, as well as strategies for securing the best price.
He gained international recognition for his distinctive exploration of black as a colour and light source, a technique he termed Outrenoir (beyond black). It was these bold, large-scale black paintings that cemented his status as a master of contemporary art in the 1970s. The thick, textured layers of black paint used in his works were often scored or scraped to reveal intricate patterns and subtle variations in light reflection.
How Much Do Pierre Soulages Prints Sell For?
Soulages’ status as a major figure in contemporary art, and the distinctiveness of his coined Outrenoir style, ensure that his prints command substantial prices in the art market. Prices can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of pounds, with higher prices reserved for rare or more significant pieces. Unlike with many artists, the date of a Soulages prints’ creation has only a small bearing on its estimated value; prints from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s all do equally well at auction.
The market for Soulages’ work has shown considerable strength in recent years, particularly following the artist’s death in 2022. This event, as is often the case with renowned artists, has led to increased interest and higher auction prices for Soulages’ work. In fact, the majority of the highest-value Soulages auction sales have occurred since his passing. The hammer went down on a record price in April 2023 - the print was Eau-Forte XLI (1998), an etching that exemplifies Soulages’ style. However, as with all art investments, values can fluctuate based on broader market trends and collector interest.
Soulages’ Outrenoir prints are not the only artworks that achieve high values at auction. Other prints, with rich colour saturation and deep layering of colour and shadow, also remain popular. Eau-Forte Xa (1957), Eau-Forte XX (1972), and Lithographie n°4 (1957) are all sought-after examples.
Soulages favoured etchings and lithographs, with both styles of print proving popular with collectors. In general, however, etchings tend to achieve slightly higher prices. Pieces from his Eau-Forte series, particularly his artist proofs, are the most highly revered. Most of his print editions are considered boutique, comprising no more than 100 prints, and some as few as 30. This helps to preserve the rarity of each piece and drive up prices in comparison to his contemporaries with larger print editions.
How Do You Authenticate a Pierre Soulages Print?
Soulages’ long career means that the exact process of authentication will vary depending on the age of the print. His signature and method of numbering editions evolved; however, the helpful numbering strategy used to name his prints (often featuring simply the name of the series and a number) makes tracing and identifying prints easier.
The artist primarily collaborated with renowned French printing houses, including Mourlot and Lacourière-Frélaut for lithographs, and Lacourière for etchings. These associations can provide valuable provenance information. Soulages was meticulous about print quality, often personally overseeing the printing process.
A comprehensive catalogue raisonné of Soulages' printed works, Pierre Soulages: l'œuvre imprimé, was published by the BnF (Bibliothèque nationale de France) in 2003. This catalogue, compiled by Pierre Encrevé and Marie-Cécile Miessner, is an essential reference for authentication. It documents Soulages' prints from 1952 to 2000, providing detailed information on each work.
Edition and Signature
In most cases, Soulages signed and numbered his prints in pencil in the lower margin. His signature is usually just his surname. If the print is an artist’s proof, this was often written out in full (“épreuve d'artiste”) in the bottom left. Although simple and clear when these markings are present, Soulages didn’t always number his editions. For definitive authentication, it's advisable to consult with recognised Soulages experts or reputable auction houses specialising in modern and contemporary art. They can provide in-depth analysis of the print's paper, ink, technique, and provenance, ensuring its authenticity.
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Has Your Pierre Soulages Print Been Kept in Good Conditions?
The condition of a print is a significant factor in determining its value. For Soulages prints, this is particularly relevant. His works, especially later pieces, feature deep blacks and subtle textures that are intrinsic to the artwork’s purpose and finish and Soulages’ Outrenoir style. These aspects are, however, very susceptible to damage if not properly preserved. Soulages frequently used high-quality, heavy paper for his prints, which can be prone to foxing or discolouration if exposed to humidity or sunlight. His etchings, with their deep bite marks and layered blacks, may show wear in the form of rubbing or loss of ink density. The intense black of his inks might show some fading in his lithograph prints.
It is also important to check for any creases, tears, or surface abrasions, and to make sure that any signature or annotation in the margin of the print is preserved and unsmudged. For the best chance at preserving your print, store the piece flat, away from direct sunlight, and in a controlled environment that is free from humidity, dust, and extreme temperatures - an acid-free portfolio folder is ideal. If the print is framed, ensure this is done using UV-protective glass and acid-free matting, to maintain the deep contrasts of Soulages’ work.
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 Pierre Soulages Print?
Patience, keen observation, and understanding of the shifts in the art market are crucial ingredients in achieving a profitable sale. Although demand for Soulages’ work has been consistent, his death in 2022 marked a significant up-turn in value and number of sales. Throughout 2023 and into 2024, the market has been favourable for sellers; more prints have been coming onto the market and countless records have been broken for Soulages’ work.
Before his death, a comprehensive exhibition was held at the Louvre from 2019-20, which served to spark renewed interest and boost Soulages’ market profile. Take note of upcoming retrospectives, or sales of post-war and contemporary art (often in the spring or autumn), as these events will likely attract serious collectors. Auction houses, such as Christie’s, Bonham’s, Phillips, and Sotheby’s will also publish value trajectory reports and auction results regularly on their websites. These resources can assist in determining whether or not now is a good time to start the sales process.
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 Pierre Soulages Print?
Selling a Pierre Soulages Via Auction House
When considering the sale of a Pierre Soulages print, auction houses often emerge as the favoured option. These establishments boast a wealth of expertise and a vast network of potential buyers, making them particularly adept at handling works by renowned artists like Soulages. The popularity of auctions lies in their potential to exceed initial valuations, as competitive bidding can drive prices to unexpected heights. However, this path is not without its pitfalls. The hefty fees associated with auction houses - often surpassing 25% of the sale price - can significantly eat into your profits. These charges cover various services, from marketing and storage to condition assessments and commissions. The rigid scheduling of auctions and limitations on the number of works by a single artist in each sale can impact your ability to sell quickly. There's also the inherent risk that your piece might not sell, potentially affecting both its future value and the artist's market standing.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling a Pierre Soulages Via a Broker
Opting for a broker or private dealer offers a more tailored approach to selling your Soulages print. These professionals often bring a wealth of experience from the art market or auction houses, coupled with a curated network of collectors and enthusiasts. The personalised guidance provided by brokers can be invaluable, spanning from initial appraisal to the final transaction. Their in-depth knowledge of the art market can help position your print optimally for sale. However, it's crucial to select a broker with specific expertise in Soulages' work to maximise your chances of a successful sale. While broker fees typically range from 10% to 30% and may require exclusivity agreements, their specialist knowledge and connections often justify this investment. To find a reputable Soulages expert, consider seeking recommendations from established galleries familiar with the artist's oeuvre.
Selling a Pierre Soulages Via Online Marketplace
The digital age has opened new avenues for art sales, with online marketplaces gaining popularity. However, when dealing with valuable artworks like Soulages prints, these platforms come with significant risks. General online marketplaces, like eBay, lack the regulatory safeguards and expertise found in traditional art market channels. Sellers must navigate complex issues independently, including shipping logistics, condition reporting, and pricing strategies - tasks usually handled by art market professionals. The lack of stringent authentication processes on these platforms leaves both buyers and sellers vulnerable to potential fraud. Even when selling genuine pieces with proper provenance, inadequate presentation - such as poor-quality images or subpar item descriptions - can dramatically reduce the achievable price.
Before committing to any selling method, it's highly recommended to consult with art market specialists. Their insights into the current demand for Soulages prints and market trends can help you determine the most advantageous approach for your specific artwork.
Why Sell Your Pierre Soulages 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.
Read our cohesive report to navigate the art market as a seller: A Guide to Selling Prints in the Current Market.
Pierre Soulages 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.
Emerging art tech tools are vital in navigating the current, and evolving, digital art market landscape. For instance, by adding Pierre Soulages prints from our website to the 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.
Pierre Soulages
29 works
