Cat © Karel Appel 1969
Karel Appel
30 works
Key Takeaways
Karel Appel's prints have demonstrated consistent market strength, with collections of works typically fetching up to £20,000. His most iconic works, particularly those from his Circus and Cats series, perform best. Authentication of Appel's prints requires meticulous examination of paper quality, printing technique, and provenance, with reference to records from galleries and publishing houses that worked with the artist, as well as the Karel Appel Foundation. Given Appel's preference for bold colours and varied printing methods, condition assessment is crucial to determining a print's value. Strategic timing, such as selling during major retrospectives or when interest in CoBrA movement art surges, can optimise returns for sellers.
Karel Appel, a founding member of the CoBrA movement, is renowned for his vibrant, expressive style that blends elements of Abstract Expressionism with a raw, childlike energy. Appel's prints often feature his signature use of bold colours, dynamic forms, and spontaneous gestures, making them instantly recognisable and highly sought after by collectors. This guide aims to navigate the market for Appel's prints, offering insights into valuation, authentication, and selling strategies for those looking to part with their pieces.
Appel's artistic vision was shaped by his experiences in post-war Europe and his rejection of traditional artistic conventions. He drew inspiration from children's drawings, folk art, and the expressive power of colour and form. This approach is reflected in his printmaking, which encompasses various techniques such as lithography, etching, and woodcut. Throughout his career, Appel collaborated with numerous printmaking studios and publishers, including Atelier Clot, Bramsen & Co and Galerie Lelong in Paris. These partnerships resulted in some of his most coveted print series, including his Animals and Personages collections.
How Much Do Karel Appel Prints Sell For?
The market for Karel Appel's prints reflects the artist's significant influence on post-war European art and his enduring popularity among collectors. Individual prints from Appel's popular series typically fetch between £500 and £5,000, depending on their significance, size, and edition number. Larger, more complex works or those from particularly desirable series can command even higher prices.
Appel's most sought-after prints often feature his characteristic bold, animalistic forms and vivid colour palettes. For instance, prints from his Cats (1978) series or those depicting abstract figures tend to perform well at auction. A full collection of Cats prints sold for over £6,000 in October 2022. His best-performing prints, however, are volumes of his Circus print series. Complete volumes (I, II, or III), or collections of all three, regularly exceed their auction estimates. In 2016, a portfolio of all three collections sold for £21,529; in 2022, Volume I sold for £16,895, demonstrating the gradual increase in value experienced by Appel’s work. The record price achieved by a collection of Appel’s prints was £26,500 in 1990. What made this particular collection of Circus prints so valuable, however, was the hand-painted wooden box they were stored in. The record price for an individual Appel print at auction is £8,620, achieved by The Appel Circus (10) (1976) in Amsterdam in 1990.
More generally, Appel print owners can expect higher valuations with prints that showcase the artist's connection to the CoBrA movement, known for its vibrant, expressionistic style. These works often embody the movement's emphasis on spontaneity and childlike creativity, which Appel championed throughout his career.
How Do You Authenticate a Karel Appel Print?
Authenticating a Karel Appel print requires a thorough assessment of multiple factors. The process typically begins with examination of the print's provenance. Any documentation that traces the print's history of ownership, such as gallery receipts, certificates of authenticity, or correspondence with the artist's studio, can be invaluable in establishing legitimacy.
Technical analysis is often necessary to complement provenance research. This involves examining the paper quality, ink composition, and printing technique used. Appel worked with various high-quality papers and archival inks throughout his career, and understanding the characteristics of these materials is essential for authentication. The printing process itself, whether lithography, etching, or another method, should be consistent with Appel's known practices for the period in which the print was produced.
While there is no single comprehensive catalogue raisonné for Appel's prints, several important resources exist for authentication. The Karel Appel Foundation, established in 1999, maintains extensive records of the artist's work and can be a valuable resource for verification. Additionally, major galleries and print studios that worked with Appel during his lifetime, such as Atelier Clot, Bramsen & Co in Paris and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, often maintain detailed records of editions they produced or exhibited.
Edition & Signature
Karel Appel's approach to signing and numbering his prints was generally consistent, though there can be variations depending on the period and the print studio involved. Typically, Appel signed his prints in white paint or ink towards the bottom of the image. He rarely signed in the margins, instead choosing to sign an area of dark colour within the print itself. His signature is usually bold and distinctive, reading “Appel” and sometimes incorporating the year of creation.
Edition numbers are generally found in the opposite corner to the signature, written as a fraction (e.g., 23/100). Appel's print editions varied in size, but were often relatively small, ranging from 50 to 200. Artist's proofs, typically marked “E.A.” (épreuve d'artiste) or “A.P.”, are highly sought after by collectors.
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Has Your Karel Appel Print Been Kept in Good Condition?
The condition of your Appel print is critical to determining its value and appeal to collectors. Appel's prints are known for their vibrant colours and dynamic compositions, making any deterioration particularly noticeable and potentially detrimental to the work's value.
When assessing the condition of an Appel print, it's important to consider the specific materials and techniques used. Appel often worked with high-quality, acid-free papers that were generally resistant to yellowing and degradation. However, improper storage or exposure to environmental factors can still lead to deterioration over time. Look for any signs of discolouration, foxing (brown spots caused by oxidation), or acid burn, particularly around the edges of the print.
The inks used in Appel's prints, especially in his lithographs and screenprints, were typically vibrant and designed to retain their intensity over time. However, exposure to direct sunlight or harsh artificial light can cause fading or colour shifts. This is particularly crucial for Appel's work, as his use of bold, saturated colours is a defining characteristic of his style. Any noticeable fading or alteration in the colour balance can significantly impact the print's aesthetic appeal and value.
Examine the print for any surface imperfections such as creases, tears, or abrasions. These can be particularly noticeable in areas of solid colour or intricate detail. Use raking light to detect any undulations in the paper that might indicate past water damage or improper storage. Although mint-condition prints will fetch higher prices, the age of many of Appel’s prints means that some wear is to be expected. Collections with soft handling creases and pale offsetting on the reverse of the print have still exceeded estimates.
For a thorough assessment, consider consulting a paper conservator specialising in modern prints. They can provide a detailed condition report and advise on any necessary conservation measures. Remember that significant conservation and restoration work can eventually negatively impact the sale price of your print. For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Karel Appel print, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My Karel Appel Print?
To determine the best time to sell your Appel print, consider market trends, cultural events, and developments in the artist's legacy. Appel's market has shown steady growth over the decades, with particular spikes following major retrospectives or renewed interest in the CoBrA movement.
Major exhibitions or retrospectives of Appel's work often generate increased interest and media coverage, potentially driving up demand and prices for his prints. For example, the comprehensive retrospective at the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague in 2016, which marked the centenary of Appel's birth, sparked renewed interest in his work across all mediums, including prints. In the 12 months following, the print market saw a pattern of Appel prints matching or exceeding their high estimates within and beyond the Netherlands.
Anniversary years related to significant moments in Appel's career or in the history of the CoBrA movement can also create opportune selling moments. The 70th anniversary of the founding of CoBrA in 2018, for instance, saw increased attention on artists associated with the movement, including Appel.
Keep an eye on broader trends in the art market, particularly those related to post-war European art or abstract expressionism. Surges of interest in these areas can create a favourable environment for selling Appel's prints. Additionally, any new publications or scholarly works focusing on Appel's career or the CoBrA movement can refocus attention on his market.
It's advisable to monitor sales results and value trajectory reports from major auction houses and galleries. These can provide insights into which series or periods of Appel's work are currently in highest demand. For instance, if there's a surge of interest in Appel's early CoBrA-period prints, it might be an opportune time to sell works from that era; or if prints other than Appel’s Circus prints begin to achieve record prices, it could suggest a shift in collector interest and demand.
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 Karel Appel Print?
Selling a Karel Appel Via a Broker
Art brokers specialising in modern European art or prints can offer a more personalised approach to selling an Appel print. These professionals often have established networks of collectors interested in CoBrA artists or post-war European art, allowing them to facilitate private sales with a level of discretion that public auctions don't provide. Working with a broker can potentially result in a faster sale compared to waiting for an auction. Brokers offer personalised advice and can develop tailored marketing strategies based on their understanding of the Appel market. They may also have insights into collectors actively seeking Appel's work or gaps in important collections.
Selling a Karel Appel Via Auction House
Major auction houses like Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips regularly feature Karel Appel's work in their modern and contemporary art sales, offering a global platform that can attract serious collectors from around the world. These prestigious institutions leverage their extensive networks and marketing expertise to generate interest in the works they offer. The competitive nature of auctions can potentially drive prices higher, especially for rare or particularly desirable Appel prints. However, selling through an auction house comes with certain considerations. Fees can be substantial, often exceeding 25% of the hammer price. There's also the risk of a work failing to meet its reserve price, which can potentially impact its future market value. The rigid scheduling of auctions means you have limited control over the timing of the sale, and you may need to wait for an appropriate themed sale or modern art auction.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling a Karel Appel Via Online Marketplace
Online art marketplaces have become increasingly popular, offering a platform to reach a global audience of art enthusiasts and collectors. These digital venues can be particularly effective for more accessible Appel prints, providing an opportunity for quick sales with lower fees compared to traditional channels. However, selling high-value artworks online comes with 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. Authentication concerns are also more pronounced in the online space, which can be particularly problematic for an artist like Appel, whose work requires expert verification.
Why Sell Your Karel Appel 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.
Karel Appel 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.
Karel Appel
30 works
