A Seller’s Guide to Giorgio De Chirico
Interno Metafisico © Giorgio De Chirico 1970
Giorgio De Chirico
23 works
Key Takeaways
Giorgio De Chirico's prints demonstrate consistent market strength, with individual works typically achieving between £3,000 and £10,000, while complete print sets can reach £15,000. His Metamorphoses series (1929) exemplifies this value pattern, with sets selling for over £15,000. Authentication requires thorough examination of documentation and reference to the Maretti Editore catalogue raisonné, with support from the Fondazione Giorgio e Isa de Chirico in Rome particularly valuable for later works. Edition sizes typically range from 50 to 100 prints, with special editions as low as 25. De Chirico's signature style remained notably consistent throughout his career, assisting with swift authentication. The Italian market shows particular strength, though international demand has grown steadily, with strong results in London and New York. Print values tend to surge following major exhibitions and significant painting sales, making timing crucial for optimal returns.
Giorgio De Chirico founded the Metaphysical art movement alongside Carlo Carrà and Giorgio Morandi. He transformed ordinary urban scenes into dreamlike theatrical stages, populating deserted piazzas with classical statues, mysterious shadows, and mannequin figures that would influence generations of Surrealist artists. His prints capture these characteristic haunting visions, offering collectors access to his unique metaphysical world through carefully crafted editions. This guide provides essential information for sellers navigating the market for De Chirico's prints, offering insights into valuation, authentication, and effective selling strategies.
De Chirico approached printmaking with the same philosophical depth that informed his paintings. His printmaking career spanned five decades, with his earliest works from the 1920s establishing his reputation in the European print market, while his later editions from the 1960s and 1970s reflect a renewed interest in his metaphysical themes - making both these periods particularly significant for collectors.
How Much Do Giorgio De Chirico Prints Sell For?
The market for De Chirico's prints reflects his position as a foundational figure in Surrealism and Metaphysical Art. Individual prints typically achieve between £3,000 and £10,000, with sets of prints achieving up to £15,000 in recent years. His most valuable prints often feature his iconic metaphysical explorations of human existence.
Prints from the late 1920s and early 1930s, when De Chirico's style was fully matured, tend to achieve the strongest results at auction. His most consistently popular print set is Metamorphoses (1929). In 2001, a full set of six lithographs sold for £15,724, and in 2005, another set sold for £13,550. This series, with its sketchy details, faceless men, and exposed inner workings of the human body is a quintessential example of De Chirico’s artistic style, which helps to drive its popularity.
One of the most sought-after collections of prints by De Chirico is the set he produced to accompany Guillaume Apollinaire’s Calligrammes (1930). In 2017, a full set of prints, alongside the text itself, sold for £15,089. De Chirico’s associations with Apollinaire also resulted in Portrait de Guillaume Apollinaire (1917), a woodcut print that sold in 2018 for £10,866. Apollinaire’s Calligrammes was not the only text De Chirico illustrated with his prints. Two other storytelling print sets, pertaining to classical themes and mythology, also prove popular at auction. Mythologie (1934), a set of 10 prints to accompany the text of Jean Cocteau, and L’Apocalisse (1941), a set of 20 lithographs to accompany De Chirico’s own written work, with an introduction by Massimo Bontempelli. The former features detailed line drawings of well-known religious and mythological stories, the latter reflects the feeling of impending apocalypse that followed World War II. Both have sold multiple times for over £8,000 in the past two decades.
The record for the highest value sale of an individual De Chirico print, however, is held by one of De Chirico’s much later prints. Il Riposo Dell'Archeologo (1972), from an edition of only 30 lithographs, sold for £16,072 as recently as July 2024, after receiving an estimate of just over £1,000 - proving that discovering the right buyer is key to realising the true value of your print. Other prints in this style include Interno Metafisico (1970), an edition of which sold for £1,741 in 2022, and Cavalli In Riva All'Egeo (1970), which sold for £1,625 in the same year. These works demonstrate the colourful, almost whimsical style of De Chirico’s late period.
These patterns in De Chirico's print market suggest that both early and late works maintain strong appeal, though for different reasons. While his earlier prints demonstrate the emergence of his influential metaphysical style, his later works often achieve surprising values due to their smaller editions and the artist's return to his most compelling themes, making both periods profitable for sellers.
How Do You Authenticate A Giorgio De Chirico Print?
Authentication of your De Chirico begins with looking at any and all documentation related to the piece. It’s possible to establish the print's provenance through certificates of authenticity, gallery receipts, and exhibition records. The Fondazione Giorgio e Isa de Chirico in Rome maintains extensive archives and can provide valuable authentication support, particularly when it comes to examining the physical characteristics of the print to ensure they align with De Chirico’s known practices.
De Chirico worked with several prestigious printing studios, particularly in Paris and Rome, each leaving distinctive marks or stamps that aid in verification. These collaborations were documented meticulously, providing crucial reference points for authentication. Publishers are particularly easy to identify and verify in the case of texts such as Calligrammes, Mythologie, and L’Apocalisse. Editions of bound copies printed on different dates may be in existence, printed by the likes of Edizioni della Chimera, Gallimard, Mercure de France, and Carlo E. Bestetti, but all should bear an edition number.
The catalogue raisonné of De Chirico's works, published across multiple volumes by Maretti Editore, is considered the most definitive resource for authentication. The volumes detail the artist’s entire output, from paintings to prints. The catalogue does, however, only go up to 1975; so, for works created in the few years following this date, before De Chirico’s death in 1978, we recommend consulting with the Fondazione Giorgio e Isa de Chirico.
Edition and Signature
De Chirico's signature typically appears in pencil in the lower margin of his prints, usually accompanied by the edition number on the left. In the centre of the lower margin, you will often find the handwritten title of the print. His signature maintained a consistent style throughout his career, characterised by flowing cursive letters. Edition sizes varied but were generally kept between 50 and 100 prints, with some special editions limited to as few as 25 and some larger editions of bound books extended to over 500. Artist's proofs, marked “EA”, are particularly valued by collectors and often feature subtle variations from the standard editions.
Browse Giorgio De Chirico prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about the print market growth on the MAB100 Print Index.
Looking To Sell Your Giorgio De Chirico Prints?
Request a free and zero obligation valuation with our team without hesitation. Track your prints & editions with MyPortfolio.
Has Your Giorgio De Chirico Print Been Kept In Good Condition?
The condition of a De Chirico print significantly influences its market value. His prints often feature precise details that can be compromised by poor handling or environmental conditions. De Chirico primarily used high-quality wove papers for his lithographs and etchings, including papers from renowned French and Italian manufacturers, such as Arches and Fabriano. While these materials are generally stable, they remain susceptible to damage from light exposure and humidity fluctuations.
When assessing condition, examine the paper for any signs of foxing, acid burn, or water damage, particularly around the edges and corners. De Chirico's printing inks, especially in his lithographs, can be vulnerable to fading if exposed to direct sunlight or harsh artificial light. The deep blacks and subtle grey tones that characterise many of his architectural scenes should retain their original intensity.
For prints featuring multiple colours, check for any registration issues or colour shifts. De Chirico's later lithographs often incorporated several colours, and maintaining the precise relationship between these elements is crucial to preserving the print's aesthetic impact. The paper surface should be free from scratches or abrasions that could interrupt the careful balance of light and shadow in his compositions.
Proper storage is essential for maintaining condition. Prints should be kept in acid-free environments, preferably in flat portfolios away from direct light and varying humidity levels. If framed, UV-protective glass and acid-free mounting materials are crucial to prevent degradation.
For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Giorgio De Chirico print, contact MyArtBroker.
When Is The Best Time To Sell My Giorgio De Chirico Print?
The market for De Chirico's prints responds strongly to major exhibitions and renewed scholarly interest in Metaphysical Art. Major retrospectives often generate increased attention and, by extension, value appreciation. The comprehensive exhibition at the Musée d’Art Moderne de la ville de Paris in 2009 sparked renewed interest in De Chirico's work, particularly on the French market - it was in 2009 that the original oil painting Il Ritornante (1918) sold for over £8million in Paris. Similarly, the Tournabuoni exhibition in 2018 in Florence sparked new interest on the Italian market.
Traditionally, the Italian market shows particular strength for De Chirico's work, with significant sales often occurring in Milan and Rome. However, international demand has grown steadily, with strong results in recent years achieved in London and New York, particularly during themed sales focusing on Surrealism and Modern Italian art.
Recent years have seen increasing appreciation for De Chirico's influence on Surrealism and contemporary art, contributing to steady market growth. Sales of his paintings can impact print values, particularly when record prices generate broader market interest. The record sale of Il Pomeriggio Di Arianna (1913) in 2020, for example, may be responsible for the increase in high-value sales in recent years. The timing of a sale should consider these factors alongside seasonal market patterns, with autumn typically being the strongest period for Modern European prints.
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 Giorgio De Chirico Print?
Selling A Giorgio De Chirico Via A Broker
Art brokers specialising in Modern European prints can offer a more personalised approach to selling a De Chirico print. These professionals often maintain networks of collectors, facilitating private sales with a level of discretion that public auctions cannot provide. Brokers can develop tailored marketing strategies based on an understanding of De Chirico's market, particularly in Italy and other European countries where his work holds special significance. Working with a broker typically involves lower fees compared to auction houses, generally ranging from 10% to 20%. While you might miss the broader exposure of public auctions, the expertise and network of a knowledgeable broker can be invaluable, especially for mid-range prints. When choosing a broker, look for those with proven experience handling De Chirico's work and strong connections in both the Italian and international markets. Their expertise can be crucial in positioning your print effectively and reaching the right collectors.
Selling A Giorgio De Chirico Via Auction House
Major auction houses like Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips frequently showcase De Chirico's prints in their Modern European art sales, while Italian houses like Finarte and Cambi offer specialised knowledge of his primary market. These institutions leverage their extensive networks to attract serious collectors worldwide, particularly those focused on Surrealism and Italian Modernism. The competitive atmosphere of live auctions can be particularly advantageous for rare or historically significant De Chirico prints, especially those featuring his iconic metaphysical imagery. Auction houses excel at contextualising De Chirico's work within broader art historical narratives, enhancing appeal through high-quality catalogues and preview events. However, this route comes with substantial fees, often reaching 25% of the hammer price. The inherent unpredictability of auctions means your piece might exceed expectations or fail to meet its reserve price. You will also have limited control over timing and presentation, as you'll need to adhere to the auction house's schedule of themed sales. For particularly valuable prints, such as complete portfolios or rare impressions from his metaphysical period, the auction route can be highly effective, but ensure you understand all terms and costs before proceeding.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling A Giorgio De Chirico Via Online Marketplace
Online art marketplaces have grown in popularity, offering a convenient platform for sellers to reach a global audience of art enthusiasts and collectors. These digital venues might seem particularly appealing for more accessible De Chirico prints, potentially enabling faster sales with lower fees compared to traditional channels. Online platforms allow you to control listing details and pricing yourself. However, selling valuable historical prints online comes with significant challenges. There's a risk of undervaluing the work due to platform limitations, and the lack of expert curation can make it difficult for exceptional pieces to stand out, particularly as authentication concerns are particularly pronounced in the online space. For high-value or rare De Chirico prints, online marketplaces should be approached with caution. If considering this route, opt for specialised platforms that focus on fine art prints and have robust authentication processes. These platforms are more likely to attract serious collectors and provide necessary security measures for high-value transactions. However, for significant De Chirico works, traditional auction houses or specialist brokers remain the most appropriate venues, ensuring proper handling and access to qualified buyers.
Why Sell Your Giorgio De Chirico 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.
Giorgio De Chirico 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.
