Josef Albers

Daniel Arsham

Tauba Auerbach

Francis Bacon

John Baldessari

Banksy

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Mel Bochner

Louise Bourgeois

Mr Brainwash

Georges Braque

The Connor Brothers

Patrick Caulfield

Christo

Salvador Dali

Richard Diebenkorn

Jim Dine

Bob Dylan

Tracey Emin

Max Ernst

Maurits Cornelis Escher

Shepard Fairey

Sam Francis

Helen Frankenthaler

Lucian Freud

Elisabeth Frink

Sir Terry Frost

Antony Gormley

Keith Haring

Conor Harrington

Erich Heckel

Damien Hirst

David Hockney

Howard Hodgkin

Loie Hollowell

Shara Hughes

Robert Indiana

Invader

Jasper Johns

Rashid Johnson

Donald Judd

Alex Katz

KAWS

Ellsworth Kelly

Jeff Koons

Yayoi Kusama

Chris Levine

Sol Lewitt

Roy Lichtenstein

Robert Longo

L S Lowry

Agnes Martin

Harland Miller

Henry Moore

Robert Motherwell

Otto Mueller

Edvard Munch

Takashi Murakami

Yoshitomo Nara

Alice Neel

Thierry Noir

Julian Opie

Nicolas Party

Victor Pasmore

Pejac

Adam Pendleton

Grayson Perry

Niki de Saint Phalle

Pablo Picasso

John Piper

Robert Rauschenberg

Gerhard Richter

Bridget Riley

Ayako Rokkaku

Ed Ruscha

David Shrigley

Pierre Soulages

Frank Stella

Stik

Wayne Thiebaud

Cy Twombly

Victor Vasarely

Andy Warhol

Ai Weiwei

Tom Wesselmann

Kehinde Wiley

David Wojnarowicz

Christopher Wool

Value

M.C. Escher's artistic legacy has experienced a notable resurgence, with top-selling works fetching impressive prices in recent online auctions. This trend, particularly strong in 2021 and 2022, highlights a renewed interest in his unique creations. While his market peaked in 2020, the following years have seen a revival, suggesting promising returns for collectors. This article lists Escher's top-selling artworks at auction.

M. C. Escher Value: Top Prices Paid At Auction 

Maurits Cornelis Escher, widely known as M. C. Escher

, was a Dutch graphic artist born in 1898 who gained international acclaim for his mathematically-inspired works. His intricate designs and impossible constructions have awed mathematicians and art enthusiasts alike and pervaded the realms of pop culture, music and film, leaving a lasting impact that transcends generations. From album covers to movies, Escher’s influence has been pervasive, demonstrating the widespread appeal of his intriguing creations and the fascination they hold for audiences

Renowned for their interplay of reality and illusion, M. C. Escher's 

 have a mesmerising quality, often featuring mind-bending visual paradoxes and intricate repeating patterns that challenge our perspective and spatial perception. Today, in addition to explicit tributes, Escher's influence permeates many aspects of pop culture, from music and film to fashion and advertising, and his intriguing illusions and explorations of infinity have been used to create visually arresting designs. His influence even extends to the realm of academic studies, particularly in mathematics and physics, where his work continues to inspire research into geometric tessellations and the nature of space.

M. C. Escher's Enduring Influence on Pop Culture

M.C. Escher's Enduring Influence on Pop Culture

M.C. Escher and His Influence on Pop Culture: From Album Covers to Movie References

“Are you really sure that a floor can't also be a ceiling?”

With the above perfectly encapsulating his unique artistic perspective, Maurits Cornelis Escher, better known as 

, was a Dutch graphic artist known for his intricate and mind-bending optical illusions that often defied the laws of physics.

Delving into the mind-bending world of M.C. Escher's most famous artworks, we explore the mathematical precision and surrealism that he infused into each piece and provide unique perspectives on the complexities of his work.

M.C. Escher's Most Famous Artworks

Art for sale

artist m c escher

articles

The most anticipated event in London’s art market has arrived, with the iconic white tent settling

in Regent's Park. Frieze presents its two sections: Frieze London and Frieze Masters, drawing the usual crowd of celebrities and art enthusiasts. Coinciding with the marquee auctions at 

, Frieze 2024 marks the fair's 21st edtion.

This year’s Frieze art fair held particular significance, following 

, which received lukewarm reviews and mirrored the uneasy mood brought on by rising interest rates. More gravely, the onset of the Israeli-Gaza conflict cast a somber shadow over the usual atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Despite these challenges, the fair went on, and this year, although geopolitical unrest and high interest rates persist, the atmosphere felt refreshingly different. Walking into this year's tent was exhilarating, a feeling echoed by the dealers we spoke with. There was an undeniable buzz in the air, in-part thanks to the fresh presentation and dynamic new layout, which energised the atmosphere. It was a powerful reminder of why Frieze plays such a significant and vital role in the art market and cultural setting. 

Market

Collecting

Frieze Reports Strong Sales With A Revamped Design: The Prints and Editions Review 2024

Phillips was third in line for the October marquee auctions. On Thursday, 10th of October, Phillips sold 24 out of the 34 lots offered, achieving a hammer total of just over £12 million–23% below the anticipated £15 million presale estimate.

Concluding the October marquee evening sales of the big three auction houses, Phillips Modern & Contemporary Art Evening Sale achieved £12 million at the hammer. This total reflects a 16% decrease compared to last year. What contributed to this shortfall? One obvious factor is the high interest rates in the UK, leading to more selective buying. Additionally, Phillips presented 34 lots, just six fewer than last year, but the sale saw a higher number of withdrawn and unsold lots–three withdrawals (including Lot 13 pre-sale) and seven unsold, though this was fewer than at 

. While most of the withdrawn and unsold pieces were lower-valued, these works would have contributed an addition £4 million to the sale at the low estimate.

Despite these challenges, the auction achieved a 77% sell-through rate, with a refreshing selection of mostly fresh-to-market works–a balanced mix of emerging talent and established blue chip names.Slightly more than half of the lots either met or exceeded expectations, which was a positive outcome for the sale.

Auction Watch: Phillips October Sale Leads With Hockney and Hammers £12 Million 

After opting out of the June marquee sales, Christie’s kicked off the October sales series, which famously aligns with Frieze Week, with a highly anticipated auction. Led by head auctioneer Adrien Meyer, the 56-lot sale had estimated values of £73.4m - £110.7m and hammered at just over £69 million (hammer), ultimately delivering mixed, but solid results.

Compared to last year's figures of the same sale, Christie’s actually performed 89% higher with just three more lots sold–an impressive achievement. However, in 2023, Christie’s benefited from the Sam Josefowitz private collection, which contributed an additional £42.3 million, bringing last year’s evening sale total to £78.7 million, which is a 14% difference. Out of the 56-lot sale, 4 works were withdrawn and 8 went unsold, most from 20th century names, resulting in an 85% sell-through rate.

The shortfall can be attributed to the majority of lots selling within or below estimates, with 33% falling short and 32% meeting expectations. Despite this, most resales surpassed their previous values. With 23 auction house guarantees (12 with irrevocable bids), the sale still reflected confidence in the market and the preset values of the works, aligning with current market conditions.

Auction Watch: Christie's October Sale Sees Mixed Results, Half of Lots Sell at or Below Estimates

Sotheby’s Contemporary Evening sale followed just hours after 

, offering significantly fewer lots–less than half of its competitor’s total. With only 22 lots and presale estimates ranging from £34m - £47.5m, the sale achieved a hammer total of just over £31 million, resulting in a 81% sell-through rate.

Departing from its usual two-sale format, which typically includes The Now, Sotheby’s opted to present only its Contemporary Evening Auction this year. The sale saw a notable 21% increase in hammer total compared to last year’s equivalent auction. However, when combining 

The Now and Contemporary Evening auctions from 2023

, this year's sale reflects a 19% drop overall. Despite these contrasts, and excluding the four unsold lots, 49% of the works–11 lots–either met or exceeded expectations. Of the six house-guaranteed lots, two carried irrevocable bids.

Auction Watch: Sotheby’s October Evening Sale Delivers a 21% Yearly Increase with Hockney, Riley, and Banksy

Investing

This week in the print world, we saw exciting collaborations, legal developments, a new documentary shedding light on a major artist, and an education initiative designed to shape the next generation of art appreciators. Here’s your roundup of key happenings from 30th September to 6th October 2024:

 to release a limited-edition silkscreen print, with proceeds supporting the Contemporary Art Society. This collaboration is part of Avant Arte’s ongoing mission to make art collecting more accessible to younger audiences, and it promises to be one of the year’s most highly anticipated releases.

 and one of the UK’s most provocative contemporary artists, is known for his sharp social commentary and explorations of 

. Through his distinctive use of media - from ceramics to tapestries - Perry has continually pushed boundaries, using satire and humour to challenge societal norms. This new print, expected to reflect Perry’s signature themes, offers collectors not only the chance to own an exclusive piece but also to support a crucial cause: placing contemporary art into museum collections across the UK.

Grayson Perry x Avant Arte

Grayson Perry Collaborates with Avant Arte for a New Limited Edition Print

News

The Week in Prints: 30th September - 6th October 2024

The fascination with celebrity culture has long been a compelling subject for artists, serving as a lens through which societal values and obsessions are examined. In the realms of prints and photography, 

 and Russell Young stand out as pivotal figures who have dissected the allure and commodification of fame. Through innovative techniques and evocative imagery, they offer profound insights into the cult of celebrity, each from their unique perspectives and eras.

Warhol’s early life was marked by a deep connection to his Eastern European heritage and a prolonged battle with Sydenham chorea, an illness that confined him to bed for extended periods. During this time, Warhol developed a 

, often drawing them while listening to the radio. His mother, Julia, nurtured his artistic inclinations, setting the foundation for his future explorations into art and fame.

Warhol studied pictorial design at the Carnegie Institute of Technology and began his career in advertising, with his illustrations appearing in prestigious publications like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. His experience in the advertising world revealed the power of celebrity influence in selling products. Recognising the symbiotic 

relationship between media, consumerism, and celebrity

, Warhol carved out his niche by launching 

—a genre that blurred the lines between high art and popular culture.

Andy Warhol: Pioneering the Intersection of Art and Celebrity

From Andy Warhol's Pop Icons to Russell Young's Dreamland

The Cult of Celebrity in Prints and Photography

September signals the art market’s return to action, kicking off a busy season for online print sales. The month opened with the 

, and a surge of online print sales continuing throughout the month. In this market newsletter, we recap the highlights of the September online print sales.

The art market is in full swing this month as preparations for the autumn auctions in London coincide with Frieze London, before attention shifts to the highly anticipated sales in New York. Phillips launched the September auctions on a high note with their David Hockney and Editions sales. In a recent MyArtBroker Talks podcast, I spoke with Helena Poole about the success of Phillips David Hockney sale and the expert curatorial strategy. For an in-depth analysis of Phillips' Editions and David Hockney sales, refer to our comprehensive auction reports.

Market Watch: Market Editor Report September 2024

This week’s highlights in the world of prints and editions span the opening of monumental exhibitions, innovative collaborations, and a robust print sale at Christie’s. From 

’s immersive works in London to the convergence of art and fashion in Paris, these stories demonstrate the continued evolution of the art world, bringing fresh energy to historic traditions. Here’s your round-up for the week:

Victoria Miro opened Kusama’s latest solo exhibition, 

, this week, marking her fourteenth collaboration with the gallery. The show is highlighted by the debut of a new 

, which immerses viewers in a kaleidoscopic world of flashing LED lights and infinite reflections. At the heart of the installation is a mirrored sphere, capturing the essence of Kusama’s long-held fascination with 

In addition to the mirrored room, the exhibition showcases a dynamic array of Kusama’s latest paintings and sculptures, including the large-scale 

 and a series of intimate acrylic works titled 

, bring to life Kusama’s characteristic polka dots in vibrant fabric forms, while her new bronze works in the garden extend the themes of reflection and regeneration central to her practice.

The show, running until November, has already garnered significant attention, with tickets quickly booked out. Kusama’s new works are a testament to her continued exploration of life, death, and infinity, inviting visitors into her singular, sensory world.

Yayoi Kusama’s Every Day I Pray For Love Opens at Victoria Miro

The Week in Prints: 23rd - 29th September 2024

Phillips launched their second-half print sales with the live Evening & Day Editions auction in London from September 19th to 20th, featuring a wide range of works by blue chip artists. This report highlights key sales and standout performances from the auction.

The sale highlighted strong demand for Andy Warhol’s trial proofs, reflecting a market preference for iconic imagery and recognisable motifs across various artists. This suggests a strategic approach among collectors, indicating a stable appetite for high-profile works in the current market landscape. For a quick recap of this sale and other print market updates, listen to our 

, where we discuss the latest trends and news in the world of prints.

Auction Watch September 2024: Phillips Evening & Day Editions

Helena joins the MyArtBroker specialist team after six years at Sotheby's where she worked as a cataloguer and specialist in the Contemporary and Modern departments. 

Her expertise focuses on the most in-demand works from the blue chip masters of Contemporary prints, including David Hockney, Banksy, STIK and Damien Hirst.

Specialist

Helena Poole

-only sale in a live auction format on Thursday, September 19th, at its London headquarters.  Hockney maintains an extensive print portfolio, ranging from highly sought-after works to more experimental pieces, which offers a rich landscape for collectors. 

In this auction report, I had an in-depth conversation with Helena Poole, our Hockney sales specialist, to break down the recent sale's highs and lows, exploring key market trends and discussing which pieces stood out and which underperformed. For a comprehensive analysis, listen to our full discussion in the latest episode of 

Auction Watch: David Hockney Phillips Sale September 2024

This week’s art news brings a diverse array of stories from the art world, from the great 

's backing of a nationwide drawing initiative. Highlights also include the discovery of a 500-year-old Dürer print in an unexpected place and a captivating exhibition that pairs works from street art legends Banksy and 

 at the Smithsonian. Read on for a comprehensive review of the key events shaping the art world and market between 9th and 15th September 2024.

The art market never rests, and this past week has been no exception. A series of high-profile events have sparked conversation across the global art community, with headlines ranging from art theft to new exhibitions and unexpected auction listings. Two men face charges for the theft of a Banksy print, an Albrecht Dürer work discovered at a rubbish dump heads to auction, and David Hockney continues to inspire with a large-scale drawing project aimed at capturing everyday life. Explore the stories shaping this week in the art world:

Art News: From The Art Market People 9th - 15th September 2024

 has returned to London with a swathe of activity, creating a series of animal spray paint works across the city. Starting in Kew Bridge in Richmond and making their way southeast to Peckham, these works have sent Banksy fans and street art enthusiasts on a quest to decipher their meaning. Cryptic as ever however, Banksy is confirming nor denying a thing.

Since Monday 5th August, Banksy has been announcing the 

 at precisely 13:00 on his Instagram without captions or commentary - leaving their meaning totally up to the interpretation of the viewer. Thus far, the animal artworks have charted a line from Richmond in West London to Peckham in South East. While we initially surmised that the artworks might be appearing in a calculated sequence, with one goat appearing on Monday, two elephants on Tuesday, and three monkeys on Wednesday, this theory was debunked with a lone wolf being announced on Thursday 8th. The works have been subject to much debate; the reason behind the choice of animals and their locations as of yet unknown.

The Story So Far

Banksy's London Zoo: New Animal Murals Across the City

 Foundation released a new volume of the Andy Warhol Catalogue Raisonné, Richard Polsky delves into the multifaceted world of Warhol’s later works, capturing the essence of his prolific years from 1977-1980. This latest addition to the catalogue, Volume 6, documents significant series such as the Shadows, Reversals, and the VIP Ticket - Studio 54 canvases, alongside revisitations of earlier themes like the Photobooth and Mum Voyeur self-portraits.

 is always cause for celebration. The current two-book set (Volume 6) covers the years 1977-1980. It illustrates some of Warhol’s larger series including the 

 and Reversals, along with the late Mona Lisas and the VIP Ticket – Studio 54 canvases. As usual, there are surprises such as the revelation that Warhol briefly revisited two of his Self-Portrait series during the 1970s (

 series (22” x 22” and 72” x 72”). There’s also a tiny obscure group of pictures called Punk Marilyns.

 notes the connection between Warhol’s Shadows canvases and 

 print (which is really a self-portrait) from the 

 series. Andy also produced five different Shadows print portfolios - which remain among the least known Warhol prints. Given the steady market for the Shadows paintings, and the small edition sizes of the prints (some are unique), there appears to be an opportunity for financial appreciation. As for the Reversals, they include a number of 

, which recall the sought-after four different 

 wallpaper prints. Finally, Volume 6 illustrates another lesser-known series, the 

. And once again, Warhol chose to accompany the paintings with a Gems portfolio consisting of four different prints. Just like the Shadows, these prints have been largely overlooked by the market.

 production is far from over. Eventually, it

will cover the ensuing years through 1987 (the year of Warhol’s death). There’s already talk that upon the completion of the

, the editors are planning an addendum to update information and include any paintings they may have left out. A drawings catalogue raisonné is also under discussion.

Out Now: The Latest Volume of the Andy Warhol Catalogue Raisonné

This week, we explore the mixed results of the art market as auction totals dip, private sales gaining traction, and notable exhibitions celebrating legacies. In an atmosphere of economic and political uncertainty, collectors are navigating new realities, shaping a dynamic and evolving art world.

As auction houses report a 25% decline in sales for the first half of 2024, the market's cyclical nature comes into sharp focus. Periods of economic and political upheaval have always influenced market dynamics, leading to temporary downturns. However, private sales are rising, reflecting a shift in collector behaviour. We explore these trends alongside notable exhibitions celebrating Surrealist Leonora Carrington, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Yoshitomo Nara.

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