A L'Heure De L'Observatoire - Les Amoureux © Man Ray 1970
Man Ray
16 works
Key Takeaways
The market strength of Man Ray's prints has seen consistent growth in recent years, with individual works typically achieving between £8,000 and £20,000. His pioneering rayographs command the highest prices, with Rayograph With Hand, Lens, And Egg (1922) setting a record at £447,552 in 2012. His most iconic works, such as Le Violon D'Ingres (1924), consistently exceed estimates at auction, while his commercial work, including the Electricité portfolio (1931), shows steady appreciation. Authentication requires thorough examination of photographic processes and printing techniques, with reference to the R. Feldman Fine Arts catalogue raisonné and verification through the Man Ray Expertise Committee. The market shows particular strength during relevant events, exhibitions, and fairs, with significant value placed on prints that demonstrate his experimental techniques. Strategic timing of sales, particularly during major Surrealist exhibitions or photography events, can significantly impact returns.
Man Ray treated light itself as a sculptural medium, capturing objects without using a camera and developing techniques that turned accidents into artistic breakthroughs - in this way, he transformed fine art photography. Although conventionally considered a Modernist, his experimental approaches, including solarisation and rayography, transformed everyday objects into mysterious, dreamlike images that became central to the Surrealist movement. This guide provides essential insights for those looking to navigate the market for Man Ray's prints, offering detailed information on valuation, authentication, and effective selling strategies.
Man Ray's technical innovations in photography and printmaking emerged from his determination to push beyond conventional boundaries. His prints, whether created through traditional photographic processes or experimental techniques, often feature ordinary objects transformed into extraordinary visions. Throughout his career, Man Ray collaborated with master printers in Paris and New York, producing editions that maintained the ethereal quality of his original photographs while adding subtle variations unique to the printing process.
How Much Do Man Ray Prints Sell For?
Man Ray's pioneering photographic techniques and his central role in both Dada and Surrealism continue to drive strong market interest in his prints. Individual works typically achieve between £8,000 and £20,000, with prices varying significantly based on the printing technique, edition size, and historical significance.
His rayographs, created by placing objects directly onto photographic paper, consistently achieve the highest prices. The record is held by Rayograph With Hand, Lens, And Egg (1922), which sold for £447,552, more than double its high estimate, in New York in 2012. From a small edition of only 32 prints, this piece is incredibly rare and is considered to be a perfect example of the rayography form.
Man Ray’s most beloved Surrealist works are often photographs that were manipulated at the point of creation. Le Violon D'lngres (1924), a photograph of Kiki de Montparnasse with the f-holes of a violin cut into her back, sold for £102,596 in April 2024 - again, doubling its high estimate. This sale proves not only the power of Ray’s compelling imagery, but also the dedication of his collectors when valuable pieces come to market. The original silver gelatin print of this image set a record for Man Ray’s artwork in 2022, when it sold for over £8.5million in New York. An illustrated version of this Le Violin D’Ingres (1969), produced in a later period of Ray’s career, is also popular as a mid-tier print.
Man Ray is also known for his commercial work. The Electricité portfolio (1931), comprising 10 rayographs created for the Paris electric company, for example, overlays negatives of everyday objects with the suggestion of electricity waves. A complete set sold for £32,210 in 2023. Ray’s poster for Transport London, Keeps London Going (1938), sold in 2018 for £88,396, after selling for less than half this value, £40,000, in 2014. There is, as such, a growing appreciation for Man Ray’s work that has seen print value rise dramatically in recent years.
The most consistently popular of Man Ray’s prints is, however, not a photograph or rayograph. A L'Heure De L'Observatoire - Les Amoureux (1970), a photographic print of a painting, depicts the floating lips of Lee Miller, Man Ray’s partner at the time, above the Paris observatory. Printed in an edition of 150, prints sold multiple times in the past 10 years. In 2023, it achieved £58,000 at Sotheby’s London, almost doubling its high estimate. In 2019, it achieved £75,000 at Christie’s London. In 2015, it achieved £35,000. The personal story, combined with Ray’s distinctive Surrealist style, gives this piece its appeal.
Other popular examples of Man Ray’s non-photographic work include his Revolving Doors (1972) portfolio, which far exceeded an estimate of just over £12,000 in 2023, when it sold for £40,234. Works such as Les Trois Nus (1919), with small edition numbers, typically prove to be high-performing mid-tier prints, selling for within the region of £3,000 to £5,000. Les Trois Nus (1919), for example, sold for £6,073 in 2017. His later abstract works, printed from original paintings or drawings, also fall into this category. A complete collection of De L'Origine Des Espèces Par Voie De Sélection Irrationelle (1971) sold for £5,422 and a print of Rope Dancer Accompanies Herself With Her Shadows (1972) sold for £5,189 (more than five times its high estimate) in 2021.
The breadth of Man Ray's market appeal is reflected in the consistent performance of prints across all periods of his career. While his early experimental works command the highest prices, his later prints maintain steady value, particularly when they connect to his most iconic images. The strength of his market is demonstrated by prints frequently exceeding their estimates at auction, often by substantial margins, suggesting both the depth of collecting interest and the potential for continued growth.
How Do You Authenticate a Man Ray Print?
Authentication of Man Ray prints presents unique challenges due to the various printing techniques and editions produced during and after his lifetime. Establishing provenance forms the foundation of authentication, with particular attention paid to exhibition history, gallery documentation, and previous sales records. Any certificates of authenticity, especially those from galleries that worked directly with Man Ray, such as Galerie Marion Meyer in Paris, carry significant weight.
Examination of the physical print requires a level of understanding of photographic processes and printing techniques usually only found in professional authenticators and Man Ray experts. Man Ray worked with several master printers and studios, including Gemini Graphic Editions Limited for his later works, each leaving distinctive marks that can aid in verification. Different printing processes, from silver gelatin to rayography, require specific technical analysis to confirm period authenticity. The paper type and manufacturing marks can also provide crucial dating evidence - Man Ray favoured specific photographic papers from manufacturers like Agfa and Kodak.
The definitive catalogue raisonné for Man Ray's printed works was compiled by R. Feldman Fine Arts in 1985. This volume contains information about the materials used, any collaborative printers and publishers, and unique characteristics each print may have. The Man Ray Expertise Committee, established after the artist's death, maintains comprehensive records of editions and can assist in verification.
Edition & Signature
Man Ray's approach to signing and numbering prints evolved throughout his career and varied by printing technique. His signature typically appears in pencil on the front of the print, often in the lower right corner, characterised by its distinctive, neat flowing style. Earlier prints might feature his birth name, Emmanuel Radnitzky, while later works bear his adopted name, Man Ray, often accompanied by the date of the original image and the print date.
Edition sizes varied considerably, from intimate runs of eight to 10 for his most experimental works to larger editions of up to 150 prints for more commercial images. Artist's proofs, marked "E.A." (épreuve d'artiste), are particularly valued by collectors. Estate prints, produced after Man Ray's death in 1976 but authorised by his wife Juliet, bear specific estate stamps and numbering systems that help establish their legitimacy within his body of work.
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Has Your Man Ray Been Kept in Good Condition?
The preservation of Man Ray prints demands exceptional care due to the high-contrast nature of his photographic creations. His innovative techniques, while groundbreaking in their artistic impact, often produced prints particularly susceptible to environmental damage, especially fading from direct artificial or natural light. Silver gelatin prints can experience silver mirroring - a bluish metallic sheen that appears in darker areas of the image - while the shadow and colour intensity of traditional lithographs and silkscreens can diminish over time.
Man Ray employed various photographic papers throughout his career, each presenting unique conservation challenges. Early prints on matte albumen paper are particularly delicate and can show discolouration or surface cracking if not properly stored. Later prints on glossy gelatin silver paper may exhibit yellowing or develop surface scratches that interrupt the characteristic luminosity of his images. Solarised prints, created through his pioneering partial exposure technique, require particular attention as their distinctive edge effects can be compromised by poor handling or environmental conditions.
Temperature and humidity fluctuations pose significant risks to all photographic prints. The emulsion layer can separate from the paper base, leading to irreversible damage. Storage conditions must be carefully controlled, with prints kept in acid-free archival materials away from direct light. If framing is necessary, museum-quality UV-protective glazing and archival mounting materials are essential. Prints should only be handled while wearing clean cotton gloves to prevent oils and contaminants from damaging the delicate surfaces.
For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Man Ray print, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My Man Ray Print?
The market for Man Ray's prints responds to both his pioneering role in photography and his position as a key figure in Surrealism. His ability to merge these two worlds - creating photographs that look like paintings and paintings that challenge photography - means that his work appeals to multiple collecting categories. This crossover appeal creates numerous optimal selling opportunities throughout the year.
Major exhibitions that focus on either experimental photography or Surrealism can generate fresh interest in Man Ray's prints. For example, 2023 was one of the most productive years for Ray's work in the US market, partly due to the Luxembourg + Co. New York exhibition Man Ray: Other Objects. This exhibition highlighted Ray's treatment of everyday objects as artistic material - a theme that runs through both his photographs and prints. Although not focused on prints specifically, the exhibition's emphasis on Ray's technical innovations sparked renewed interest across all aspects of his market.
Photography events, particularly Paris Photo in November and AIPAD in New York each spring, consistently achieve the strongest results for Man Ray's prints. These specialist fairs attract collectors who understand the historical significance of Ray's contributions to photography, from his rayographs to his solarisation technique. His fashion photographs and portraits tend to perform particularly well at these events, where their technical excellence can be properly appreciated.
Examining auction results and market reports through major auction house websites provides valuable insights into current trends. These resources reveal which elements of Ray's work - his experimental techniques, his Surrealist imagery, or his commercial projects - are experiencing particular market strength. Success often correlates with broader cultural shifts, such as renewed academic interest in the intersection of photography and Surrealism.
MyArtBroker offers advanced art tech tools to help you determine the optimal time to sell your Ray print. 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 Man Ray Print?
Selling A Man Ray Via a Broker
Art brokers specialising in photography and Surrealism offer a more personalised approach to selling Man Ray prints. These professionals often maintain networks of collectors specifically interested in experimental photography and can facilitate private sales with discretion and efficiency. Working with a broker typically involves lower fees than auction houses, generally ranging from 10% to 20%. Brokers can be particularly effective for prints that might appeal to specialist collectors, such as those focused on specific techniques like rayographs or solarisation. Their expertise can help position your print effectively within current market trends while maintaining privacy throughout the transaction process. When selecting a broker, prioritise those with demonstrated experience handling photographic works and understanding of both the technical and artistic aspects of Man Ray's prints.
Selling A Man Ray Via Auction House
Leading auction houses maintain dedicated photography departments with specialists who understand the value of Man Ray's work. Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips regularly feature his works in both photography and Surrealist art sales, while French houses like Artcurial offer particular expertise in his Paris period. Their specialists comprehend the importance of technical analysis and provenance research, particularly for early prints and experimental works. The auction process provides extensive international exposure and the potential for competitive bidding among informed collectors who appreciate Man Ray's historical significance. These institutions excel at presenting complex narratives around his technical innovations and artistic relationships, attracting serious collectors through high-quality catalogues and preview events. However, sellers should consider substantial fees, typically reaching 25% of the hammer price, along with additional costs for insurance, shipping, and marketing. Success at auction depends heavily on current market conditions and the selection of an appropriate sale. There's also the risk of a print failing to meet its reserve price, which could affect its future market value.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling A Man Ray Via Online Marketplace
Online art platforms have expanded selling options but present unique challenges for valuable historical prints like Man Ray's. While these venues offer potentially quick sales with lower fees, they lack the expertise and security measures necessary for high-value photographic works. Without proper authentication protocols and expert guidance, sellers risk undervaluing their work or attracting suspicious buyers. If considering an online sale, choose specialised fine art photography platforms with robust verification processes and experience handling significant 20th-century prints. These platforms are more likely to attract serious collectors and provide necessary security measures. However, for rare or particularly valuable Man Ray prints, traditional auction houses or specialist brokers remain more appropriate venues.
Why Sell Your Man Ray 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.
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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.
Man Ray 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.
Man Ray
16 works
