Irregular Zigzag Bands © Sol LeWitt 1996
Sol Lewitt
18 works
Key Takeaways
Sol LeWitt’s pioneering Conceptual Art is coveted by collectors, with single prints selling for as much as £40,000 and portfolios for as high as £60,000. Prices rise and fall in line with market interest, often sparked by exhibitions in LeWitt’s name or high-profile sales. Authentication requires verification of LeWitt’s signature and the print’s provenance, and reference to the definitive catalogue raisonné made available by Barbara Krakow. Preserving the value of your LeWitt print is also dependent on proper care and handling, with condition playing a vital part in the appraisal process.
Sol LeWitt emerged as a leading proponent of Conceptual and Minimalist movements in the 1960s. Born in 1928, LeWitt's innovative approach to making art challenged traditional notions of authorship and artistic process, putting an emphasis on ideation. He is perhaps best known for his 'wall drawings' and three-dimensional structures, works that often began as simple instructions or diagrams to be executed by others. This grammatical approach to art is reflected in the repetitive marks and signs used in his prints. For sellers looking to part with a LeWitt print, this guide will walk you through the intricacies of the art market.
LeWitt's influence extended beyond his physical artworks to his philosophical contributions to art theory. His seminal essay Paragraphs on Conceptual Art (1967) articulated the importance of the idea over its physical execution in art and was the first time the term Conceptual Art had been used to reference this movement. LeWitt approached printmaking with the same systematic approach as his large-scale works; often exploring variations on simple forms and colours, creating complex visual experiences from basic elements.
How Much Do Sol LeWitt Prints Sell For?
LeWitt’s screenprints, etchings, and lithographs are all sought after by collectors; his enduring appeal is attributed to his contributions to art theory and understanding. LeWitt's collaborations with renowned print studios, such as Parasol Press and Pace Prints, contributed to the quality, desirability, and therefore value of his editions. He produced nearly 300 print editions and more than 50 artist’s books throughout his career, meaning collectors can easily trace the evolution of his work from geometric lines through to bold colourful experimentation. These partnerships resulted in some of his most coveted print series, including his Cubes In Colour On Colour and Straight Lines In All Directions collections - as with Curvy Brushstrokes I (1997) and Arcs, Circles & Grids (1972), LeWitt gave all his work very explanatory, descriptive names.
At auction, LeWitt's prints typically range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. More common, or more recent, editions might sell for £2,000 to £5,000, while rarer or particularly significant prints can fetch upwards of £20,000 or more. A full portfolio of 63 screenprints, Six Geometric Figures And All Their Combinations (1980), sold at Christie’s New York for over £60,000 in 2022, setting the record for a LeWitt print sale. Other smaller portfolios of prints, such as a full set of linocuts from his Open Cube In Colour On Colour series (2003), have sold for upwards of £40,000 in recent years. The record, however, for the highest-value individual print is held by Straight Lines In All Directions (1996), which auctioned at Christie’s New York in February 2024 for £39,631, meeting its high estimate - it’s important to note that not only was this print a one-off unique piece, it was also auctioned out of Elton John’s private collection.
How Do You Authenticate a Sol LeWitt Print?
Authenticating a Sol LeWitt print requires careful consideration of several factors, reflecting the artist's methodical approach to his work. LeWitt's printmaking career spanned several decades, and his signature style and numbering methods evolved over time. LeWitt collaborated with several notable printing and publishing houses, including Parasol Press and Crown Point Press. These associations can provide valuable provenance information. He was known for his close involvement in the printing process, often providing detailed instructions for the execution of his works.
The definitive reference for LeWitt's prints is the Sol LeWitt’s Prints Catalogue Raisonné, compiled by Barbara Krakow and edited by Andrew Witkin. This catalogue can be accessed online; however, printed catalogues are available, though they may not be as up-to-date. LeWitt's studio also maintained meticulous records, which can be invaluable in verifying later works.
A professional appraisal from recognised LeWitt experts or reputable auction houses specialising in contemporary art is advisable for definitive authentication. These experts can provide in-depth analysis of the print's paper, ink, technique, and provenance, ensuring its authenticity within LeWitt's oeuvre.
Edition and Signature
LeWitt typically signed and numbered his prints in pencil, often on the reverse side. His signature is characteristically clear and consistent, using either “LeWitt” or “S.LeWitt,” and is sometimes accompanied by the location or production and the precise date. Edition information is not always clear, with some prints simply listed with their number within their wider collection.
Browse Sol LeWitt 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 Sol LeWitt Print Been Kept in Good Condition?
Prints that have been well-preserved and protected against damage are generally valued higher than those showing greater than average wear and tear. If, for example, your LeWitt print is on display, it should always be protected behind UV-resistant glass and be mounted using acid-free materials. Be aware that glue or tape may cause irreparable damage to the back of a paper print. Ideally, a print should be kept flat in a folder or portfolio, away from direct natural or artificial light and dust, and in an area not subjected to extremes of temperature or humidity.
Common signs of damage to look out for include foxing (brown spots), yellowing, tears and creases, and faded colours. LeWitt often used handmade paper for his prints (seen in pieces such as Eight Pointed Stars (1996), which tends to be more textured and also more delicate. Appropriate care should be taken with all LeWitt prints.
If you are unsure about your print’s condition, consult a professional appraiser or conservator specialising in printed works on paper. They can provide a detailed report on the damage and its impact on sale value as well as a plan of action for restoration. For advice on how to get started, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My Low LeWitt Print?
The market for LeWitt’s work peaked at the beginning of 2023, and then dipped by the end of the year, as can happen in a market as cyclical as the art market. Since then, however, interest and market value have been increasing. Determining the best time to sell your LeWitt print depends on many factors, including market trends such as this, notable events or exhibitions, and anniversaries that are personal to the artist.
When a work appears in a prestigious collection, it tends to stir up interest. Within a few days of Straight Lines In All Directions (1996) auctioning out of Elton’s John’s private collection in February 2024, another LeWitt print, All Combinations Of Arcs From Sides And Corners, Grids And Circles, Using Four Colours (1972), sold for a similar price from the collection of Chara Schreyer. With two high-profile auctions happening at the beginning of 2024, it’s no surprise that several other high-value sales have occurred since, including Open Cube In Colour On Colour (2003), which sold in June 2024 for £22,000. Paying attention to this kind of pattern can help you pick the right time to sell. Auction houses such as Bonhams, Christie’s, Phillips, and Sotheby’s release value trajectory reports and auction results regularly on their websites - these can be excellent resources for plotting trends.
Where Can I Sell My Sol LeWitt Print?
Selling a Sol LeWitt Via a Broker
Engaging a private broker or dealer offers a more personalised approach. These professionals can develop tailored sales strategies based on their understanding of the LeWitt market and their networks of collectors. Fees generally range from 10% to 30%, but the potential for discreet sales may help preserve market value. It's crucial to select a broker with specific experience in LeWitt's work. Their individualised service often focuses on highlighting the print's unique characteristics and provenance.
Selling a Sol LeWitt Via Auction House
Auction houses provide a global platform that can attract international collectors. Their marketing efforts, including catalogues and preview events, often generate significant interest. The competitive nature of auctions may lead to favourable pricing outcomes. However, it's worth noting that fees typically exceed 25% of the sale price, and sellers have limited control over pricing and timing. There's also a risk of the print remaining unsold, which may affect its future value. Rigid schedules may result in prolonged waiting periods before the print goes to auction.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling a Sol LeWitt Via Online Marketplace
Online platforms provide an alternative method for selling art prints. These marketplaces offer seemingly greater control over the sales process and can potentially connect sellers with a wide array of collectors. While fees are typically lower compared to traditional auction houses, the seller assumes responsibility for pricing, listing duration, and appraisal. The lack of stringent vetting procedures may impact final sale prices, and marketing responsibilities fall to the seller, potentially limiting visibility.
Prior to selecting a sales method, consultation with art market experts specialising in LeWitt's work is advisable. Their insights into current market trends and collector preferences can inform a more effective sales strategy. When making a decision, it is important to consider personal priorities, such as the desired speed of sale, target price, or need for transaction privacy. Each method presents its own set of advantages and challenges, and the optimal choice will depend on individual circumstances and objectives.
Why Sell Your Sol LeWitt 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.
Sol LeWitt 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 Sol LeWitt 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.
Sol Lewitt
18 works
