Plate 4, Hom'mère (Chaosmos) © Roberto Matta 1975
Roberto Matta
28 works
Key Takeaways
Roberto Matta's prints have demonstrated consistent market value, with individual works typically fetching between £3,000 and £10,000. His largest prints command premium prices, with Ultima Cena (Reistoria Il Sangue Nel Tuo Corpo) (1973) setting a record at £16,306 in 2022. Prints featuring hand-coloured elements are particularly sought after, and his Hom'mère (Chaosmos) (1973) series remains his most popular collection, with complete sets recently doubling their estimates at auction. Authentication requires verification through the marks and certificates of established print studios like Atelier Mourlot or L'Atelier George Visat, with reference to Roland Sabatier's rare 1975 catalogue or the ongoing Matta Archives in Tarquinia. Matta’s market shows increasing strength across all periods of his career, with special value placed on prints that feature direct evidence of the artist's hand.
Roberto Matta never considered himself an artist; but his painting and printmaking transformed Surrealism, introducing fourth-dimensional concepts into three-dimensional artworks, creating complex spaces that seem to exist beyond conventional physics. Matta believed his role was to see what others could not. His innovative approach to printmaking techniques, particularly in combining etching with aquatint, produced otherworldly effects that captured both cosmic vastness and microscopic detail. This guide aims to help sellers navigate the market for Matta's prints, providing insights into valuation, authentication, and effective selling strategies.
Matta's work both bridged and existed outside of European Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism. His prints often explore themes of psychological and cosmic space, featuring biomorphic forms and mechanical elements that seem to float in undefined dimensions. Throughout his career, Matta collaborated with several prestigious print studios, including Atelier Mourlot in Paris and George Visat, resulting in some of his most sought-after print series, such as FMR Dans L'Attic and Hom'mère.
How Much Do Roberto Matta Prints Sell For?
The instantly recognisable, ethereal nature of Roberto Matta's prints, and their complex, mystical subject matter has ensured their consistent market value. Individual prints typically fetch between £3,000 and £10,000, depending on factors such as rarity, condition, and the specific period of creation. Particularly large prints and those from small editions achieve the highest sale value. In 2022, a print from an edition of only 20 that measured more than 1m by 3m sold for £16,306. The print was Ultima Cena (Reistoria Il Sangue Nel Tuo Corpo) (1973), a play on Da Vinci’s The Last Supper (1498), and set a new record for Matta prints.
Prints from the breadth of Matta’s career - from the 1940s through to the early 2000s - are equally popular. Other factors play more significant roles in determining the appeal and value of his prints. In 2008, for example, one of Matta’s renowned carborundum prints sold at auction in Los Angeles for £13,897, nearly £4,000 above its high estimate. The print, Il Albero Giovanne (2002), was part of a fairly large edition of 125 prints, but had hand-coloured pastel and gouache elements. This direct evidence of the artist’s hand at work, and the subsequent uniqueness of all prints within the edition, helps to increase the price. Other prints created in the same year, 2002, are also sought-after by collectors. La Source Du Calme (2002) and La Dulce Aqua Vita (2002), both perfect examples of Matta’s surreal and colourful figures, sold for £8,392 and £7,892 respectively in 2005 - both with hand-coloured elements.
Prints from Matta's earlier periods, particularly those created during his close association with the Surrealists in the 1940s and 1950s, have seen increasing demand. The New School (1943), a collection of drypoint prints, sold for £12,065 in Paris in 2006 and £9,637 in 2008. Unlike Matta’s later works, these prints are monochromatic, and their figurative depictions are more rooted in subverted or altered realism than the distorted figures of the 1960s onwards.
The most popular of Matta’s print series is Hom'mère (Chaosmos) (1973), a set of 10 etching and aquatint prints depicting well-known scenes from myth - including the story of the Trojan horse (Plate 4). These works are quintessential of Matta’s surreal style, with countless distorted figures in motion, but with greater definition than many of his later pieces. A complete collection of Hom'mère (Chaosmos) sold for £7,693 in 2023, more than double its high estimate.
The general increase in sales value for Matta prints suggests a growing collector base. Regardless of the period of Matta’s career that you print originates from, factors such as good condition, hand-coloured elements, and low edition numbers or small edition sizes can all indicate promising selling power.
How Do You Authenticate A Roberto Matta Print?
The authentication of Roberto Matta's prints requires careful consideration of both physical elements and historical documentation. A thorough examination of 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 established galleries that worked directly with Matta, such as Galerie Jan Krugier in Geneva or Galerie Alexander Iolas in Paris, or print studios such as L’Atelier George Visat, carry significant weight.
Matta worked extensively with specific print studios, each leaving distinctive marks that can aid in verification. Prints produced at Atelier Mourlot, for example, often bear their characteristic blind stamp. Prints created with George Visat, such as the Hom'mère (Chaosmos) (1973) series, will likely be printed on Arches paper. The relationship between these studios and Matta's work during different periods is well documented, making it possible to cross-reference technical details with historical records.
While no single comprehensive catalogue raisonné exists for Matta's prints, several authoritative sources can assist in authentication. A catalogue of Matta’s graphic works was compiled by Roland Sabatier in 1975; however, the book is very rare and may prove difficult for individuals to find. Brokers, auction houses, and institutions are more likely to have access to a copy. The Matta Archives, now housed in Tarquinia, Italy, possess the most definitive information on Matta’s body of work. The Archives are, however, an ongoing project, which means that works may still be missing from their records.
Edition and Signature
Roberto Matta's approach to signing and numbering his prints evolved throughout his career, but maintained certain consistent elements. His signature, a bundle of symbolic curves rather than letters, typically appears in pencil in the lower right corner - this mark becomes more compressed over the course of his career, with earlier signatures more closely resembling cursive handwriting. Edition numbers are written as fractions in the lower left margin.
Edition sizes varied considerably, from intimate runs of 20 or 30 to larger editions of up to 150 prints. Artist's proofs, marked "E.A." (épreuve d'artiste), are particularly valued by collectors. Matta also created special printer's proofs and trial proofs, which can offer unique variations in colour or technique, making them especially desirable to serious collectors.
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Has Your Roberto Matta Print Been Kept In Good Condition?
Matta’s innovative combinations of etching, aquatint, and sometimes hand-colouring create prints with subtle variations, finishes, and precise details that can be especially vulnerable to environmental damage. Matta primarily used high-quality wove papers from Arches and Rives, specifically selected for their ability to hold both the deep impressions of his etching plates and the subtle colour gradients of his aquatints. These papers are naturally durable, but can still develop foxing or acid burn, particularly around the edges. His sophisticated colour combinations often included up to eight different colours layered in precise registration - these inks can be susceptible to fading, especially when exposed to direct sunlight or strong artificial light.
For prints that include hand-colouring or special finishing techniques, additional care is needed as these elements can be particularly sensitive to environmental conditions and handling. Any areas of hand-applied colour should be examined for signs of flaking, fading, or colour shift.
Proper storage of fine art prints is vital to their preservation and, therefore, their eventual value. Prints should ideally be kept in flat, acid-free portfolios, away from fluctuating temperature and humidity. If framing is necessary, UV-protective glass and acid-free mounting materials are essential. Handle prints only while wearing clean cotton gloves to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the paper surface.
For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Roberto Matta print, contact MyArtBroker.
When Is The Best Time To Sell My Roberto Matta Print?
Understanding market dynamics specific to Latin American and Surrealist art can significantly improve the final market value you achieve. With overall value of Matta’s work on the rise, the market shows particular strength when major exhibitions highlight his contribution to modern art. A recent retrospective of Matta’s work at the Bank Austria Kunstforum Wien in summer 2024, for example, prompted publicity and interest from existing and new collectors. Similarly, exhibitions at prestigious galleries, such as the 2023 retrospective at Pace Gallery in Palm Beach, encourage notable boosts in specific geographic markets.
The market also responds to broader trends in art collecting. Current institutional focus on expanding representation of Latin American artists has created new opportunities for selling Matta's work. This trend particularly affects prints that demonstrate his unique fusion of European Surrealist techniques with cosmic and mechanical themes drawn from his American experiences.
Anniversary years related to significant moments in Matta's career can also create opportune selling moments. The centenary of his birth in 2011 coincided with several important exhibitions and publications, driving increased market activity. Equally, record sales of his original paintings, such as the 2012 sale of La Révolte Des Contraires (1944) for nearly £3million, always send ripples through the secondary print market. A pattern of high and record sales of original works in 2012 resulted in notable sales of many mid-tier prints, including New-View (1996), Melodia-Medio (1996), and Redness Of Blue (1996), at the tail-end of the same year.
MyArtBroker offers advanced art tech tools to help you determine the optimal time to sell your Matta 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 Roberto Matta Print?
Selling A Roberto Matta Via a Broker
Art brokers specialising in Surrealist or Latin American art can offer a more personalised approach to selling Matta prints. These professionals often maintain networks of collectors specifically interested in this market segment 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 specific collectors, such as those focused on Surrealism's technical innovations or Latin American modernism. 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 Matta's work and understanding of both European and American markets.
Selling A Roberto Matta Via Auction House
Major auction houses regularly feature Matta's prints in their Latin American art sales and Surrealist art auctions, providing access to informed collectors worldwide. These institutions offer significant expertise in positioning Matta's work within both European and American artistic contexts, attracting serious collectors who understand his historical importance. Auction houses excel at presenting complex narratives around Matta's technical innovations and his role in bridging artistic movements. The competitive atmosphere of live auctions can drive prices upward, particularly for rare or historically significant prints. However, sellers should consider substantial fees, typically reaching 25% of the hammer price, and the unpredictability inherent in public sales. The risk of a print failing to meet its reserve price could affect its future market value. Additionally, auction schedules are inflexible, potentially requiring lengthy waits for appropriate themed sales.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling A Roberto Matta Via Online Marketplace
Online art platforms have expanded selling options but present unique challenges for valuable historical prints like Matta's. While these venues offer potentially quick sales with lower fees, they lack the expertise and security measures necessary for high-value transactions. 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 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 Matta prints, traditional auction houses or specialist brokers remain more appropriate venues.
Why Sell Your Roberto Matta 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.
Roberto Matta 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.
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