What We Lose in Flowers © Richard Prince 2012
Richard Prince
20 works
Key Takeaways
Richard Prince's prints continue to be highly sought-after, with individual works typically fetching between £5,000 and £50,000. His iconic Cowboys series has achieved remarkable prices, with a hand-embellished print selling for over £1million in 2022, setting a new record. Prince's use of appropriated imagery and experimental printing methods, including production on canvas, means condition assessment is crucial for valuation, and also adds complexities to the process of authentication. The artist's legal controversies have paradoxically increased demand for his work, putting emphasis on the importance of timing sales strategically. Sellers are advised to track interest in Appropriation Art and patterns of exhibitions and retrospectives.
Richard Prince is a provocative figure in contemporary art, known for his appropriation of popular images and his ability to blur the lines between high art and popular culture. His prints, which often repurpose existing images from advertising, popular media, and consumer culture, have become highly sought after by collectors worldwide. This guide aims to navigate the complex market for Prince's prints, offering insights into valuation, authentication, and effective selling strategies for those looking to part with their pieces.
Prince's artistic approach challenges traditional notions of authorship and originality. His work, categorised as Appropriation Art, frequently incorporates images from magazines, advertisements, and social media, recontextualising them to create new meanings and narratives. This strategy is clear, too, in his printmaking practice, where he employs various techniques such as photographic reproduction, inkjet printing, and silkscreen to create works that comment on contemporary culture and consumerism. Prince’s most popular print collections include his depictions of cowboys and his black-and-white text-based ‘jokes.’
How Much Do Richard Prince Prints Sell For?
The value of Richard Prince prints varies based on their rarity, their popularity, and how well they encompass his controversial contemporary style. Individual prints from Prince's popular series typically fetch between £5,000 and £50,000, with iconic or hand-embellished works commanding even higher, sometimes six-figure, prices.
Prince’s Cowboys print series, which appropriates imagery from Marlboro cigarette advertisements, performs particularly well in the market. These prints, which critique American mythology and masculinity, typically sell for between £20,000 and £60,000, depending on the specific image and edition size. Untitled (Cowboy) (2012), a print hand-embellished with acrylic paint, sold in November 2022 for a record-breaking £1,093,027, making it the highest-value Prince print ever sold at auction. Before this sale, the record was held by a diptych of prints, Grassy Knoll (1992), which sold for £350,000 in 2015. Another Cowboy, Cowboy (2000), sold in 2003 for over £170,000.
Prince’s large-scale works tend to fetch higher prices at auction, thanks to their eye-catching size. Untitled (#213) (2016), an inkjet print on canvas, sold for £198,485 in New York in 2022 - what makes this piece particularly interesting is that it was acquired directly from the artist by its owner at the time, simplifying its provenance and enhancing its authenticity.
Prince's Joke prints, featuring text-based humour on monochrome or collaged backgrounds, have seen increasing demand in recent years. These works, which often play with themes of Americana and popular culture, generally range from £10,000 to £40,000. A collection of three Joke panels (2007) from an edition of just two prints, all featuring the same joke, sold in 2018 for nearly £190,000. The highest value achieved by an individual Joke print, however, is £143,010; achieved by Untitled (Joke) (2013) in Hong Kong in 2020.
Prince's market has always been influenced by legal controversies surrounding his appropriation of images. While these disputes have occasionally impacted prices in the short term, they have also contributed to the artist's notoriety and, in some cases, increased demand for his work.
How Do You Authenticate a Richard Prince Print?
Authenticating a Richard Prince print requires a specialist, comprehensive approach due to the artist's use of appropriation and his often unconventional production methods. The process typically begins with a thorough examination of the print's provenance, tracing its history of ownership and exhibition. Any documentation, such as certificates of authenticity, gallery receipts, or correspondence with the artist or his studio, can be invaluable in establishing legitimacy. As shown by the sale of Untitled (#213) (2016), the simpler the provenance, the more trust buyers feel in a print’s authenticity.
As Prince is still a working artist, there is currently no comprehensive catalogue raisonné for his work, which can make authentication challenging. However, records from galleries and print studios that have collaborated with Prince, such as Gagosian, the Gladstone Gallery, and Two Palms, can provide crucial information. Exhibition catalogues from major retrospectives, like the 2007 Guggenheim show Richard Prince: Spiritual America, can also serve as valuable references.
Given the nature of Prince's Appropriation Art, it's important to verify that the print in question is an authorised edition by the artist, rather than a reproduction of the appropriated image. This distinction can be subtle but is crucial for authentication and valuation.
Edition & Signature
Prince's approach to signing and numbering his prints can vary, reflecting his unconventional artistic practices. Generally, his signature appears as “R Prince” in pencil on the reverse of the print, often accompanied by the year of creation and the edition number. However, some prints may be unsigned or have alternative methods of identification, such as a studio stamp or certificate.
Prince's print editions can range from very small runs of 10 or fewer to larger editions of 100 or more. Some works are produced as unique prints or artist's proofs, which can be particularly valuable. Prince has occasionally revisited earlier images, creating new editions or variations years after the original. These later prints are typically clearly marked with their new date of creation, distinguishing them from earlier editions.
Browse Richard Prince 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 Richard Prince Print Been Kept in Good Condition?
When assessing the condition of a Prince print, it's essential to examine it under good, diffused lighting. Look for any signs of fading, especially in photographic elements or areas of solid colour. Prince frequently uses inkjet printing for his works, and while modern archival inks are generally stable, earlier prints may be more susceptible to light damage. Any noticeable colour shift or loss of vibrancy can significantly impact the print's value.
Many of Prince’s prints were produced on canvas, rather than paper, which, although more robust, can still be susceptible to degradation if not properly cared for. If you do own a paper print, check for any signs of yellowing or foxing, particularly around the edges. These issues can occur if the print has been exposed to humidity or stored in non-archival conditions. Prince uses high-quality, acid-free papers and canvases, but improper storage can still lead to deterioration over time.
Examine the print for any creases, tears, or indentations. Pay special attention to the corners of canvases and edges of paper prints, as these areas are most prone to wear. For prints that incorporate text elements, such as the Joke series, ensure that the text remains crisp and legible, as any blurring or bleeding of ink can detract from the work's impact and value.
Some of Prince's prints involve additional elements or techniques, such as collage, overpainting, or overprinting. In these cases, check for any signs of separation or lifting of applied elements as their integrity is crucial to the overall value of the print.
For optimal preservation, Prince prints should be stored flat in acid-free portfolios or framed using museum-grade materials. Canvases should be properly stretched; or, preferably, left on their original canvas frames. If displayed, use UV-protective glass to shield the print from harmful light exposure. Maintain a stable environment with controlled temperature and humidity to prevent paper degradation and ink instability.
For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Richard Prince print, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My Richard Prince Print?
Cultural events, market trends, legal controversy, prestigious exhibitions, and economic stability can all impact the estimated value of your Prince print. While the market for Prince’s prints has shown steady growth, choosing the right time to sell is paramount.
Major retrospectives or significant solo exhibitions of Prince's work often generate increased interest, potentially driving up demand and prices for his prints. For example, the comprehensive retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum in New York in 2007 sparked renewed international attention on Prince's work, leading to a boost in print market value. Events such as the 2013 exhibition of Prince’s Cowboys at the Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills cast spotlights on specific bodies of work, providing the perfect foundation for sellers of relevant prints.
Keep an eye on broader trends in the contemporary art world that might affect Prince's market. For instance, debates around appropriation art or increased focus on postmodern artistic practices can create a favourable environment for selling Prince's prints. Additionally, any legal controversies or high-profile cases involving Prince's work, while potentially contentious, often result in increased public interest and impact market activity.
We recommend regularly reading the sales results and value trajectory reports published by major auction houses. These can provide insights into which series or periods of Prince's work are currently in highest demand. For instance, if there's a surge of interest in Prince's early appropriation works, it might be an opportune time to sell prints from that period.
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 Richard Prince Print?
Selling a Richard Prince Via a Broker
Selling a Richard Prince Via Auction House
Major auction houses like Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips regularly feature Richard Prince's work in their contemporary art sales, offering a global platform for your print. These institutions leverage their extensive networks to attract serious collectors from around the world, particularly those interested in postmodern and appropriation art. The competitive atmosphere of a live auction can be advantageous for rare or historically significant Prince prints, potentially driving prices higher than initially estimated. Auction houses have the expertise to properly contextualise Prince's work within the broader spectrum of contemporary art, which can enhance its appeal to collectors. However, selling through an auction house comes with 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 will 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 Prince prints, particularly rare early works or complete portfolios, 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 Richard Prince 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 Prince 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 Prince's appropriation techniques and the cultural significance of his images. However, selling high-value artworks online comes with challenges. There's a risk of undervaluing the work due to platform limitations, and authentication concerns are more pronounced in the online space. The lack of expert curation can also make it difficult for exceptional pieces to stand out in a crowded digital marketplace. If considering an online marketplace for a Prince print, opt for specialised platforms that focus on fine art and have robust verification processes. These platforms are more likely to attract serious collectors and provide the necessary security measures for high-value transactions. For high-value or rare Prince works, the online marketplace should be approached with caution. While it can be an effective option for more modestly priced prints, it may not provide the level of expertise and targeted marketing that traditional auction houses or specialist brokers can offer for significant pieces.
Why Sell Your Richard Prince 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.
0% Seller's Fees, 100% of the Time
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.
Richard Prince 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.
