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Erich
Heckel

Erich Heckel, a master of German Expressionism, is celebrated for his emotionally charged and vividly primal artworks. If you’re looking for original Erich Heckel prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network’s most in-demand works.

Erich Heckel art for sale

Discover Erich Heckel prints for sale, exclusively available through our private network of collectors. Explore signed and unsigned screenprints, lithographs, digital prints, and rare editioned proof prints by era-defining blue chip artists.

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Erich Heckel Value & Data Trends

Track historical trends, sale results and forecast value in the Erich Heckel Print Market.
For further data analysis or expert commentary please contact data@myartbroker.com.

20%
Growth (AAGR 5 years)
1
Print sales (12 Months)
$25,993
Sales value (12 Months)
$25,993
Avg Price paid (12 months)

Erich Heckel print index (5 years)

Curated index derived from public auction data, including hammer prices, sell through rates, last bid price on unsold lots and private sales & valuations.

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Biography

Growing up in a period of change and upheaval, Erich Heckel's early life was a prelude to a career that would significantly influence the German Expressionist movement. His initial foray into the arts was not through formal training, but a self-directed path, driven by an interest in the burgeoning art scene of the early 20th century. The seeds of his artistic inclinations were sown during his time at the University of Dresden, where he studied architecture.

However, it was his encounter with fellow artists Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff that truly ignited his passion for painting. Together, they formed the Die Brücke group in 1905, a seminal moment marking the dawn of Expressionism in Germany. Heckel's early works, characterised by bold colours and emotive figures, reflected his deep engagement with the human condition, a theme that would continue to permeate his oeuvre.

Throughout his professional career, Heckel distinguished himself as a master of expression, with his work often reflecting the socio-political climate of Germany at the time. His participation in key exhibitions, including the influential Berlin Secession, brought his style to a wider audience, cementing his role as a significant figure in the German art scene. Heckel's art, notable for its intense emotionality and striking use of colour, focused on themes of existential angst.

Heckel's involvement in significant exhibitions, such as the 1912 Sonderbund Exhibition in Cologne, where he displayed alongside artists like Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, provided a significant recognition of his contributions to modern art. His collaboration with other avant-garde artists of his time, such as Emil Nolde and Max Pechstein, further amplified his influence, helping shape the direction of German art.

An expressive painting depicting a group of nude figures in a lush green landscape. The scene is filled with dynamic brushstrokes and vivid colours, including shades of orange, pink, and green, set against a dramatic blue sky with streaks of orange and white.

Badende Am Waldteich © Erich Heckel 1910

1. £2.6M for Erich Heckel's Badende Am Waldteich

Badende Am Waldteich (1910) achieved Heckel's current auction record when it sold at Christie's London in February 2015 for £100,000 above its high estimate. This oil painting, created during the artist's most innovative period with Die Brücke, exemplifies the group's preoccupation with depicting humanity in harmony with nature. It was painted during the summer of 1910, when Heckel, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and Max Pechstein developed the unique, shared style of the group, with simplified forms and raw colours. The painting depicts bathers at a woodland pond, a recurring theme that allowed Heckel and the Die Brücke group to represent more abstract ideas about freedom within the natural world. The work's provenance, including its early acquisition by art dealer Ludwig Schames in Frankfurt and later purchased by Dr. Carl Hagemann, contributed to its strong performance.

Two distinct paintings displayed side by side. On the left, a reclining nude woman with short brown hair rests on a white bed, her pose relaxed and gaze engaging. Behind her are decorative patterns in yellow and blue. On the right, the second painting portrays a still life of green potted plants, including a tall, red aloe flower, set against a rich blue background. A partial nude figure is visible on the righthand side.

Akt (Dresden) / Stilleben Mit Pflanzen © Erich Heckel 1910-1920

2. £1.7M for Erich Heckel's Akt (Dresden) / Stilleben Mit Pflanzen

This double-sided canvas from 1910-20 achieved its impressive result at Sotheby’s New York in November 2006. The work presents two distinct masterpieces: a Dresden nude on one side and a still life with plants on the other, showcasing Heckel's versatility across subjects. The nude demonstrates his characteristically bold handling of the human form, while the still life reveals his sophisticated understanding of colour relationships. The choice to paint on the back of an existing artwork was not uncommon for artists during times of financial struggle; ironically, on the secondary market today, these double-sided artworks often achieve much higher sales values than the individual pieces would on their own.

A vibrant painting of a lush garden scene. Blossoming trees with light pink and white flowers stand in the foreground, their foliage textured with short, thick brushstrokes. A hedge runs horizontally, framing a pathway with multicoloured patches. In the background, a red and yellow house is partially obscured by the trees, set against a backdrop of blue sky.

Blühende Apfelbäume © Erich Heckel 1907

3. £1.3M for Erich Heckel's Blühende Apfelbäume

Blühende Apfelbäume (1907) sold at Christie's London in February 2018 as part of an Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sale. Its distinctly Impressionist finish is typical of Heckel's early Die Brücke period works. The vibrant landscape, depicting the eponymous blooming apple trees, showcases Heckel’s innovative use of unmixed colours and bold brushwork that would become hallmarks of the movement. The work's impressive result, achieved more than a century after its creation, underscores collector appreciation for pieces that capture the raw energy of early Expressionism. Its short exhibition history, appearing at the Galerie Wolfgang Wittrock, Dusseldorf, in 1990, ensured that this piece remained fairly unknown before 2018.

An Expressionist painting of a rural road leading past red and yellow houses, with dark trees and a dramatic blue and yellow sky. The scene is painted in bold, vibrant brushstrokes that suggest windy weather with intense colours.

Dangast Village Landscape © Erich Heckel 1909