Market Watch Helen Frankenthaler: Top Ten Most Investable Prints

Madame Butterfly (2000) exemplifies Frankenthaler's groundbreaking contributions to large-scale woodcut prints, achieving an impressive £304,730 as an AP and setting a new auction record. This sale marked a remarkable 183% increase from its previous high of £107,554 in October 2013, underscoring the growing demand and market recognition for her works. Highlighting her mastery of Abstract Expressionism and Colour Field painting, the piece demonstrates her innovative use of layering vibrant hues and organic forms, redefining the artistic possibilities of woodcut techniques.

Grey Fireworks (2000) translates the principles of Abstract Expressionism into the print medium, with its fluid composition, soft gradients, and splashes of colour creating a subdued atmospheric effect. This work achieved £48,461 at Rago in October 2024, setting a new auction record and marking a significant appreciation from its £31,000 sale price in 2023.

West Wind (1997) shows harmonious blends and vibrant hues of colours creating movement and depth. This work sold as a PP at Christie's in July for £23,423 setting an impressive new auction record, surpassing the previous benchmark of £20,000 established in 2021. This result underscores the renewed collector interest in Frankenthaler's work reflecting an upward trajectory in her print market.

Frankenthaler's Flirt (PP) (2003) showcases gentle washes of pinks, oranges, greens, and blues, blending seamlessly to evoke a sense of organic harmony. In 2024, Frankenthaler's PPs gained notable traction in the auction market for their soft yet dynamic interplay of colours. This particular work achieved £23,519 at Phillips in October, setting a new auction record and highlighting the increasing recognition of Frankenthaler's rare and experimental prints among collectors.

Tales of Genji II (1998) radiates with warm golden hues, accented by fluid gestures of vibrant red, blue, and green. The piece’s layered washes and intricate markings create a meditative balance between spontaneity and control, exemplifying Frankenthaler’s hallmark contributions to Colour Field painting. Achieving £48,913 at Christie's in October 2024, this work reaffirms the enduring appeal of her innovative printmaking techniques. Its success highlights the continued admiration for Frankenthaler’s ability to convey emotional depth through minimal yet captivating compositions.

Skywriting (1997) features an expansive blue background enriched by earthy greens, bold reds, and delicate whites, capturing a serene yet dynamic interplay of land, water, and air. The composition highlights Frankenthaler’s ability to blend artistic elements, evoking natural landscapes through her fluid transitions. Sold for £14,132 at Bonhams in February, this work underscores Frankenthaler’s mastery at pushing the boundaries of printmaking as an expressive medium.

Flotilla (2006) unfolds with a luminous yellow backdrop, contrasted by sweeping strokes of blue and green that evoke a sense of playful dynamism. Delicate lines and overlapping shapes create a rhythmic interplay of movement, offering a harmonious, yet intriguing, exploration of space and form. This piece reflects Frankenthaler's continued influence and resonance in the broader art market selling for £8,639 at Ro Gallery in March 2024.

Cedar Hill (1983) is an exemplary work from Frankenthaler's early 1980s period, showcasing her mastery of subtle colour harmonies. The piece features a delicate peach wash as the backdrop, accentuated by a bold green appliqué above, interspersed with dynamic orange creases and vibrant green splotches. In June 2024, it achieved an impressive new auction record, selling for £7,824 at Stair Galleries in New York, underscoring Frankenthaler’s enduring appeal and the growing recognition of her works from this period.

The 2000s were a transformative period for Frankenthaler, marked by introspection and innovation, further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in Modern Abstract art. Solar Imp (2001) exemplifies this era with its vibrant palette of bold oranges and yellows, accented by an abstract central composition in red, blue, and green, with touches of black adding depth and contrast. Radiating energy and spontaneity, the work’s loose yet harmonious structure, rich in texture, reflects Frankenthaler’s signature soak-stain technique adapted from her canvas works. This piece achieved an impressive £8,719 at Rago in October 2024, affirming its status as one of her most valued prints.