Gruppenbildnis Edenbar © Max Beckmann 1923
Max Beckmann
22 works
Key Takeaways
Max Beckmann's prints demonstrate exceptional market strength, with individual works typically achieving between £15,000 and £50,000. His self-portraits command the highest values, with Selbstbildnis Mit Steiffem Hut (1921) reaching £132,183 at auction. His portfolio series Die Hölle (Hell) (1919) holds the record for highest print sale at £222,124. Authentication requires thorough examination of provenance and technical elements, with reference to Hofmaier's catalogue raisonné and verification through the Max Beckmann Archive in Munich. Beckmann's use of different papers for lithographs and etchings requires specific conservation attention, with German wove papers and Japan papers responding differently to environmental conditions. The German market remains strongest for his works, with peak selling periods between September and December, while American institutional interest continues to grow.
Max Beckmann transformed personal trauma into universal human experience through his prints, creating some of the most psychologically penetrating works of the 20th century. His printmaking career, which spanned from 1901 to 1946, reflected the turbulent times in which he lived, capturing both the horror of war and the vitality of modern life. While Beckmann's reputation was established through his paintings, his prints often offered a more intimate and immediate form of expression, allowing him to explore themes of mythology, politics, and personal identity with monochromatic directness. For sellers of Beckmann prints, this guide will help you navigate the secondary art market, providing insights into sales prices, authentication, condition assessment, and strategic sales timing.
Beckmann approached printmaking with an intensity that matched his paintings, producing over 300 prints throughout his career. Most were created during three distinct periods: his early years in Berlin and Frankfurt (1901-1914), his response to World War I (1915-1923), and his time in exile (1937-1946). These periods are marked by different techniques and subjects, from his early experimental lithographs to the powerful woodcuts of his later years.
How Much Do Max Beckmann Prints Sell For?
Beckmann's prints embody the raw emotional power of German Expressionism, and their market value reflects both their artistic significance and historical importance. Individual prints typically achieve between £15,000 and £50,000, with particular emphasis on works from his middle period, when his style reached its mature expression.
The highest prices are consistently achieved by Beckmann's self-portraits, or “Selbstbildnis,” which, with their intense and striking expressions, often capture the peak of Beckmann’s psychological depth. His relentless self-scrutiny resulted in some of his best works. In 2007, an auction of 20 of Beckmann’s self-portraits took place in Germany, with Selbstbildnis Mit Steiffem Hut (1921), a drypoint print, achieving the highest sale price: £132,183. This particular self-portrait occupies five of the top 12 Beckmann print sales spots. Other popular self-portraits include Der Raucher (Selbstbildnis) (1916) and Selbstbildnis (1904), both of which have sold for over £90,000 in the last 10 years.
Beckmann’s ability to give life to striking emotive expressions extends to his other figurative works - this being his next most popular body of work. The captivating faces of the women in his woodcut print Gruppenbildnis Edenbar (1923) have ensured its long-standing desirability amongst collectors. In 2010, a print from this edition sold for £90,885 in Bern. His more complex figurative works, however, depicting starving sleep-deprived families, circus performers, and patients in asylums, tend to achieve lower prices on average - around £15,000 to £20,000.
The record for highest-value Beckmann print sale is held by a portfolio of prints titled Die Hölle (Hell) (1919). These 11 lithographs depict the politically charged chaos of post-war Berlin, exploring his experiences as a medical orderly during World War I. The record was set in 202, when the first set in the edition sold for £222,124.
How Do You Authenticate A Max Beckmann Print?
The authentication of Beckmann prints requires careful attention to physical detail and assessment of all accompanying documentation. Given the artist's meticulous approach to printmaking, any deviation from his known practices warrants close scrutiny. The most valuable form of authentication evidence is, however, provenance - documents such as certificates of authenticity from printers or publishing houses, gallery receipts, and exhibition catalogues are vital in tracing the print’s history.
The definitive reference for authenticating Beckmann prints is the two-volume catalogue raisonné compiled by James Hofmaier, published in 1990. This comprehensive catalogue details every known print, including variations and states, making it an essential tool for verification. The Max Beckmann Archive in Munich can provide additional authentication support through their extensive documentation of the artist's work and their recently published digital catalogue raisonné.
Beckmann worked with several prominent print workshops, particularly in Berlin and Frankfurt. Their stamps and markings provide crucial authentication evidence. Professional appraisers will also be able to identify the type and quality of paper used in your print, and ensure it aligns with expectations. For instance, his early lithographs were typically printed on heavy wove paper, while his later works often used thinner, more textured stocks.
Edition and Signature
Beckmann's signature appears consistently in pencil, usually in the lower right margin of his prints. His signature style remained stable throughout his career, characterised by confident, cursive, flowing strokes. Edition numbers, when present, typically appear in the lower left margin, often accompanied by the title of the print, sometimes written in English. Some prints, such as Badekabine (1924), are adorned with additional notes and have the date incorporated into the print design itself. However, many of his early prints were not formally numbered, reflecting the less structured printing practices of the time.
Edition sizes varied considerably, from as few as 20 impressions for some of his more experimental works to over 100 for his more commercial lithographs. Artist's proofs, marked "Probe" or simply "P," are particularly valued by collectors, often showing subtle variations in inking or paper choice that reveal Beckmann's working process.
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Has Your Max Beckmann Print Been Kept In Good Condition?
Prints that have been kept in excellent condition are more likely to appeal to collectors; preserving the quality of your print and investing in professional condition assessment can, therefore, help sellers maximise their returns. Beckmann’s experimental approach to printmaking, including his distinctive use of lithographic wash and aggressive etching techniques, created works that may require specific conservation attention.
Beckmann frequently used high-quality German wove papers for his lithographs, while his etchings were often printed on more delicate Japan paper. These materials respond differently to environmental conditions. The wove papers can develop distinct discolouration patterns if exposed to uneven light or humidity, while Japan paper is particularly susceptible to tears and handling damage. His lithographs often feature areas of subtle tonal gradation that can be compromised by even minor fading.
The dense blacks characteristic of Beckmann's prints, particularly in works from his middle period, should retain their original intensity. Any lightening or browning of these areas significantly impacts both the visual impact and value of the print. The artist's sophisticated use of plate tone in his etchings created deliberate variations in ink density that must be distinguished from damage or wear.
A selection of Beckmann’s prints feature embellishments. Soft pencil work, for example, was added to the surface of Der Nachhauseweg (1919) after printing - a fact that ensures there are subtle differences between each print in the edition and potentially increases the value of the work, but that also makes conservation more challenging. Pencil marks are easy to smudge or brush away, making careful handling and storage crucial.
With or without additional embellishments, your Beckmann prints are best kept flat in acid-free portfolios, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity. If framed, UV-protective glass and archival-quality matting are recommended to prevent fading and discolouration. Regular condition assessments by qualified conservators can help prevent deterioration, but prints should only be handled while wearing clean cotton gloves.
For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Max Beckmann print, contact MyArtBroker.
When Is The Best Time To Sell My Max Beckmann Print?
Beckmann's prints have shown consistent market resilience, with particular strength during periods of renewed interest in German Expressionism. The timing of major museum exhibitions often creates optimal selling opportunities. The German Expressionism exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2011, which displayed a number of Beckmann’s works, sparked significant market activity across the international market.
The German market traditionally shows the strongest demand for Beckmann's work, with peak selling periods typically occurring between September and December. This pattern aligns with major European art fairs and museum acquisition cycles. Recent years have seen increasing interest from American institutions, suggesting potential for market expansion.
Significant anniversaries related to Beckmann's life and career can create favourable market conditions. The 75th anniversary of his death in 2025 is likely to generate renewed scholarly and collector interest, with significant print sales results already beginning in 2024. Monitoring auction results and value trajectories through the websites of major auction houses can provide valuable insights into optimal timing.
One of the primary factors in driving up print sale prices, however, is the sale of original paintings. Record sales have occurred in 2001, 2005, 2017, and 2022; years that have subsequently become years of increased activity on the secondary print market. Staying ahead of upcoming auctions can help you capitalise on these sorts of opportunities.
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 Max Beckmann Print?
Selling A Max Beckmann Via A Broker
Art brokers specialising in German Expressionism offer personalised service and direct access to established collector networks. These professionals understand the nuanced market for Beckmann's prints and can develop targeted marketing strategies based on deep knowledge of both private and institutional collecting patterns. Brokers typically charge lower fees than auction houses, usually between 10% and 20%, while offering greater flexibility in timing and pricing strategy. Their ability to facilitate private transactions can protect market values and allow for more personalised negotiations. The most effective brokers maintain relationships with museum curators and academic researchers, providing additional layers of expertise and market access.
Selling A Max Beckmann Via Auction House
Leading auction houses maintain specialised departments for German Expressionist prints, with experts who understand the historical significance and technical complexities of Beckmann's work. Christie's, Sotheby's, and German houses like Villa Grisebach regularly feature his prints in their modern art sales, offering access to established collectors and institutions. The auction process begins with thorough examination and cataloguing, providing detailed condition reports and provenance research that can enhance a print's market value. These houses excel at contextualising Beckmann's work within broader artistic movements, potentially attracting crossover collectors interested in Modernist printmaking. However, auction house fees typically reach 25% of the hammer price, with additional costs for insurance and marketing. Success depends heavily on current market conditions and appropriate sale placement, with the risk that unsuccessful sales become part of the print's permanent market record.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling A Max Beckmann Via Online Marketplace
Online platforms present significant challenges for selling blue chip art prints like Beckmann's. The high values and authentication requirements demand levels of expertise and security that general online marketplaces cannot provide. Without proper examination protocols and expert handling, sellers risk both undervaluing their work and deterring serious collectors. The inability to properly assess paper quality, printing technique, and condition in person makes most institutions and experienced collectors unwilling to purchase significant prints online. Traditional auction houses or specialist brokers remain the most appropriate venues for works of Beckmann's calibre and historical importance.
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A Dedicated Broker
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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.
Max Beckmann 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.
