Girl On The Bridge © Edvard Munch 1918
Edvard Munch
14 works
Key Takeaways
Edvard Munch's print market has seen significant growth, with prices reaching as high as £1,850,000 for rare works like Young Woman On The Beach (1896). Authentication is crucial due to the prevalence of forgeries, making catalogues like Edvard Munch: The Complete Graphic Works an essential aid in proving a print's legitimacy, alongside expert analysis from institutions like the Munch Museum. Provenance and condition play vital roles in determining value, with well-preserved, documented prints fetching higher prices. Timing sales to coincide with major exhibitions or anniversaries can maximise returns, while choosing the right sales venue, such as auction houses, brokers, or online platforms, depends on the seller's needs and market conditions.
Edvard Munch left an indelible mark on the world of modern art. Born in 1863 in Norway, Munch is best known for his iconic painting The Scream (1863), which has become a symbol of existential angst and one of Western art’s most recognisable motifs. His work, characterised by intense emotions and psychological themes, played a pivotal role in the development of Expressionism. If you are looking for guidance on selling a Munch print, this article will help you navigate the market.
Munch's art addressed questions of the human psyche, exploring love, anxiety, loneliness, and death. His bold use of colour and distorted forms challenged conventional artistic norms of his time, influencing generations of artists to come. His ability to capture raw human experiences on canvas and in print earned him international acclaim and secured his place as one of the most significant figures in late 19th and early 20th-century art.
How Much Do Edvard Munch Prints Sell For?
Munch began experimenting with prints in the 1890s, mastering techniques such as lithography, woodcuts, and drypoint etching. His prints often explored the same psychological themes as his paintings - love, anxiety, and mortality - but with a raw, stripped-down colour-palette and intensity. His innovative approach to woodcuts, characterised by rough-hewn textures and bold, simplified forms, influenced the German Expressionists. Munch frequently revisited and reworked his printmaking plates, often creating variations of his most revered paintings, such as The Scream (1893). His most famous prints, including The Kiss (1897) and Madonna (1895), illustrate his ability to convey complex emotions through stark contrasts and fluid lines. Munch's printmaking portfolio comprises over 30,000 impressions, an enormous feat and evidence of his status as one of recent history’s great experimental artists.
Typically, it is Munch’s earlier, rarer works that command higher prices at auction. The record is currently held by an aquatint print of Young Woman On The Beach (1896), which sold at auction with Christie’s in 2013 for £1,850,000, over twice its high estimate. In 2019, this record was almost broken by a woodcut print of The Lonely Ones - Two Human Beings (1899-1917). One of 20 black-and-white lithographs of Munch’s iconic The Scream (1895) auctioned at Sotheby’s for £1,500,000 in 2016. Munch’s most famous images appear in different print formats, with woodcuts and lithographs claiming the highest value, and it is common for these well-known, figurative prints to reach upwards of £500,000 or even £1million.
Image © Sotheby's / The Scream © Edvard Munch 1895How Do You Authenticate an Edvard Munch Print?
Authentication is crucial for determining a print’s value, particularly with artists, like Munch, whose work has a notorious history of being stolen for sale on the black market. Authenticating a Munch print requires a combination of expert knowledge and careful examination. The first step is to consult the comprehensive catalogue raisonné of Munch's prints, which documents known works and their variations. Experts can examine the paper quality, looking for types Munch was known to use, and assess the printing technique for consistency with his methods. Provenance plays a vital role; a well-documented history of ownership can significantly support authenticity. Scientific methods such as paper analysis and infrared imaging may be employed to detect inconsistencies or anachronisms. Due to the complexity of Munch's printmaking process and the existence of numerous authorised posthumous prints, authentication often requires the expertise of specialised Munch scholars or institutions like the Munch Museum in Oslo. For valuable or significant pieces, obtaining a certificate of authenticity from a recognised authority is highly recommended.
Catalogue Raisonné
Munch's definitive catalogue raisonné is Edvard Munch: The Complete Graphic Works by Gerd Woll, published in 2012. This comprehensive catalogue is the result of decades of research and documents over 700 print motifs created by Munch. It is available in many major art libraries and can be purchased from specialist art booksellers. The Munch Museum in Oslo, which holds the largest collection of Munch's works, uses this catalogue as a primary reference. For the most up-to-date information, the museum's website offers digital resources that complement the printed catalogue raisonné, providing an invaluable tool for collectors, scholars, and auction houses in the authentication process.
Edition and Signature
Munch typically signed his prints, but his method of signing changed over time. Usually, he signed in pencil in the lower margin of the print; however, sometimes his signature appears within the print itself as part of the composition. Munch did not follow a consistent pattern when numbering his print editions, which can make authentication challenging. In fact, many of his earlier prints were not numbered at all, and even some of his later prints hold apparently random numbers that do not reflect the actual size of the edition. In some cases, Munch would add annotations to his prints indicating the state of the print (for example, “1st state” or “2nd state”), personal commentaries on the subject, or the location in which it was made. On some print editions of The Scream, for instance, Munch has handwritten the inscription “I felt the great scream throughout nature,” in German.
As he often reworked prints, producing many different versions of the same image in different colourways or using different printing techniques, the same images appear throughout his life and career with varying signatures, numbering systems, and finishes.
Browse Edvard Munch 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 Edvard Munch Print Been Kept in Good Condition?
The condition of a Munch print plays a crucial role in determining its value and appeal. Prints in excellent condition will have vibrant colours, sharp lines, and unblemished paper. When assessing your print, look for common signs of damage such as foxing (brown spots), yellowing, tears, creases, or water stains. Sunlight can be particularly damaging, fading colours especially in lithographs - well-preserved prints that have been stored away from direct light are highly sought after. Pay attention to the margins as untrimmed edges often result in a higher sale value. Any signs of restoration should be noted, as these can affect both authenticity and worth. Munch's prints on delicate Japan paper require extra care due to their susceptibility to damage. For long-term preservation, proper framing with acid-free materials is essential; alternatively, store your print in a protective folder or portfolio to keep it fully away from sunlight, dust, and moisture.
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 Edvard Munch Print?
Determining the optimal time to sell your Munch print involves considering multiple factors. The art market can be cyclical, with demand for certain artists or styles fluctuating over time. Keep an eye on major auctions featuring Munch's work, as successful sales can boost interest and prices across the market. Anniversary years related to Munch's life or career often spark renewed interest, potentially driving up values. Consulting with reputable art dealers or auction houses specialising in Munch's work can provide valuable insights into current market trends and help you gauge the best timing. Christie’s, Bonham’s, Phillips, and Sotheby’s all publish auction results and value trajectory reports on their websites. Remember that unexpected events, such as major museum exhibitions or significant rediscoveries, can suddenly increase demand for Munch's prints, creating opportune selling moments.
The record sale of Young Woman On The Beach (1896), for example, took place at Christie’s in London, less than a year after the comprehensive exhibition of Munch’s work, Edvard Munch: The Modern Eye, travelled to the Tate Modern. Woodcut prints of The Lonely Ones - Two Human Beings (1899) and Evening, Melancholy I (1896) achieved their highest prices to date in the six months that followed.
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 Edvard Munch Print?
Selling an Edvard Munch Via Auction House
Art collectors looking to sell high-value works by Munch often turn to prestigious auction houses such as Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Phillips. These renowned venues provide a professional and esteemed setting that draws a large pool of collectors, encouraging competitive bidding. Despite this, there is always a chance that the print might not reach its estimated value. Additionally, auction houses charge fees and commissions that can be as high as 25%, which can significantly reduce your net proceeds, especially for prints. The auction process is also lengthy and may limit the number of editions accepted per sale, causing potential delays. This approach is less suited for those who need to quickly capitalise on market trends, as the artwork’s value might decline while waiting for the sale.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling an Edvard Munch Via a Broker
When selling a valuable Edvard Munch print, partnering with an art broker can significantly enhance your results. These market experts offer personalised consultations, meticulously evaluating your artwork and setting realistic expectations. Leveraging their extensive industry knowledge, brokers pinpoint optimal selling times and venues, connecting you with their vast network of collectors and buyers. Throughout the process, they provide comprehensive guidance, from initial valuation to final transaction. While broker fees typically range from 10% to 30% of the sale price and often require exclusivity agreements, their expertise can be invaluable in navigating the complex art market. To find a reputable Munch specialist, seek recommendations from established galleries familiar with the artist's work. By tapping into a broker's deep market insights and connections, you can maximise your print's potential in the competitive fine art world.
Selling an Edvard Munch Via Online Marketplace
While platforms like eBay may seem appealing for art sales due to their lower fees, they present significant risks and challenges for sellers. These unregulated marketplaces lack the safeguards and expertise found in reputable galleries or auction houses. Sellers must navigate complex issues alone, including shipping logistics, condition reporting, and pricing strategies - tasks typically handled by professionals in traditional art markets. The absence of expert authentication services leaves both buyers and sellers vulnerable to forgeries and scams, potentially damaging reputations and finances. Even when selling genuine artworks with proper documentation, the DIY nature of these platforms often leads to suboptimal results. Inadequate marketing, poor-quality photographs, and ineffective item descriptions can drastically reduce the final sale price, negating any savings on fees.
Why Sell Your Edvard Munch 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.
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.
Edvard Munch 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 Edvard Munch 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.
Edvard Munch
14 works
