Natural
History Part I: Mushrooms
Created in 1974, Cy Twombly's Natural History Part I: Mushrooms series showcases the artist's distinctive exploration of form, texture, and symbolism. These lithographs delve into the enigmatic world of mushrooms, offering viewers a mesmerising journey into the realms of nature and imagination.
Cy Twombly Natural History Part I: Mushrooms For sale
Natural History Part I: Mushrooms Value (5 Years)
With 81 auction appearances since 1993, Cy Twombly's Natural History Part I: Mushrooms series is one of the most actively traded in the market. Prices have varied significantly – from £828 to £10,793 – reflecting a range linked to work characteristics and a premium placed on rare-to-market examples. Peak hammer prices have reached £10,793 for top-performing works. Over the past 12 months, the average selling price was £4,275, with an average annual growth rate of 3.38% across the series. Factors that enhance value include condition, rarity, signature status and edition size; auction data indicate signed examples typically command a premium. The market view is of measured growth with episodic stronger demand.
Natural History Part I: Mushrooms Market value
Auction Results
| Artwork | Auction Date | Auction House | Return to Seller | Hammer Price | Buyer Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Plate VI (from Natural History Part I - Mushrooms) Cy Twombly Signed Print | 10 Mar 2021 | Christie's New York | 8,500 | 10,000 | 13,500 |
 Plate II (from Natural History Part I - Mushrooms) Cy Twombly Signed Print | 10 Mar 2021 | Christie's New York | 7,650 | 9,000 | 11,500 |
 Plate IX (from Natural History Part I - Mushrooms) Cy Twombly Signed Print | 17 Dec 2020 | Sotheby's New York | 5,100 | 6,000 | 8,000 |
 Plate I (from Natural History Part I - Mushrooms) Cy Twombly Signed Print | 21 Oct 2020 | Christie's New York | 3,655 | 4,300 | 5,500 |
 Plate III (from Natural History Part I - Mushrooms) Cy Twombly Signed Print | 21 Oct 2020 | Christie's New York | 3,655 | 4,300 | 5,500 |
 Plate VIII (from Natural History Part I - Mushrooms) Cy Twombly Signed Print | 30 Jul 2020 | Christie's New York | 3,953 | 4,650 | 6,000 |
 Plate V (from Natural History Part I - Mushrooms) Cy Twombly Signed Print | 16 May 2019 | Swann Galleries | 8,075 | 9,500 | 12,500 |
Plate VII (from Natural History Part I - Mushrooms) | 15 Nov 2018 | Swann Galleries | 4,250 | 5,000 | 7,000 |
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Meaning & Analysis
Cy Twombly's Natural History Part I: Mushrooms series represents a departure from his previous works, as he delves into the organic forms and intricate textures of mushrooms. Created in 1974, this series exemplifies Twombly's fascination with the natural world and his ability to translate its complexities into an abstract visual language.
In each artwork of the series, Twombly employs lithography and mixed media techniques to create richly textured surfaces that evoke the tactile quality of mushrooms. Through gestural marks, delicate lines, and subtle washes of colour, Twombly captures the essence of these elusive organisms, inviting viewers to contemplate their beauty.
Beyond their botanical significance, the mushrooms in Twombly's series serve as symbols of transformation, growth, and decay. Through their ephemeral nature and intricate structures, mushrooms embody the cyclical rhythms of life and death, echoing themes present throughout Twombly's body of work.
