Stockholm © Wifredo Lam 1974
Wifredo Lam
20 works
Key Takeaways
Wifredo Lam's print market demonstrates steady growth, with individual prints typically achieving between £3,000 and £5,000, while significant works reach £10,000. His most coveted series, including Annonciation De Aime Cesaire (1969-1971) which holds the record at £9,596, and Apostroph' Apocalypse (1967) which continues to increase in value, show particular strength. Authentication requires examination of paper quality, printing technique, and provenance, with reference to Tonneau's 2016 print catalogue. Prints often bear Lam's distinctive "Wi Lam" signature in pencil, with editions typically ranging from 50 to 120. Strategic timing, particularly during Latin American art sales in spring and autumn, can optimise returns. The European and Asian markets consistently achieve the highest prices, with London, Paris, and Shanghai emerging as key sale locations. Major exhibitions, including the 2016-17 EY Exhibition at Tate Modern, have driven significant market growth.
Wifredo Lam brought together European Modernism with Afro-Cuban imagery, creating prints that blend Surrealist techniques with Caribbean symbolism. His distinctive imagery emerged from his experiences in Cuba, Spain, and Paris, where he absorbed influences from artists like Pablo Picasso while maintaining strong connections to his cultural heritage. This guide provides essential information for sellers navigating the market for Lam's prints, offering detailed insights into valuation, authentication, and strategic selling approaches.
Lam's printmaking practice intensified during his time in Paris, where he worked with renowned print studios including Mourlot and Broder. His initial experiments with lithography in the 1930s gave way to more complex techniques in the post-war period, including innovative combinations of aquatint and etching that allowed him to achieve the atmospheric effects characteristic of his work. His prints often feature hybrid figures combining human, animal, and plant forms, drawing on Afro-Cuban spiritual traditions and Santería imagery. The technical sophistication of these works, particularly those produced between 1960 and 1976, demonstrates Lam's mastery of printmaking as a medium distinct from his paintings. These editions translate the mysterious, spiritual quality of his paintings into graphic form, making his unique artistic vision accessible to a broader collector base.
How Much Do Wifredo Lam Prints Sell For?
The market for Lam's prints has steadily strengthened in the past decade. His unique combination of European Modernism and Caribbean art traditions ensures his pool of collectors remains broad, increasing international interest. Individual prints typically achieve between £3,000 and £5,000, with particularly significant works achieving up to £10,000. His most sought-after prints come from his Paris period of the late 1960s and early 1970s, when his mature style fully emerged. These works tend to feature prime examples of his signature hybrid figures, particularly those incorporating Afro-Cuban religious symbolism.
The highest-value Lam print sales tend to be of print sets. Annonciation De Aime Cesaire (1969-1971), a set of seven etchings from Lam’s mature period, depicting overlapping and angular mythical figures, sold in 2019 for £9,596. Notably, this record sale occurred in Shanghai, proving the international appeal of Lam’s work. In the same year, an even later set of nine etchings, Contre une maison sèche (1974), sold for £8,500 in London. In the past five years, the highest-performing print set by Lam has been Apostroph’ Apocalypse (1967). These 14 etchings are limited to an edition of only 25, making them incredibly rare compared to many other Lam prints - Annonciation De Aime Cesaire, for example, has an edition size of 120. Apostroph’ Apocalypse sold for £6,618 in 2022 and £8,068 in 2023, demonstrating a steady value increase.
Other popular print series include Pleni Luna (1974), which achieved £4,952 in 2017, Visible Invisible (1974), which achieved £5,800 in 2015, and Le Feu Vert (1974), which achieved £1,704 in 2019. Although Lam prints rarely appear for sale as individuals, due to the artist’s preference for print sets, they can still achieve impressive prices out of sequence. In 2024, for example, Stockholm (1974) from his Pleni Luna series sold for £2,249. In 2018, another single print from this series sold for £2,117.
These sales suggest that Lam's print market is particularly strong in Europe and Asia, with London, Paris, and Shanghai consistently achieving the highest prices. The relatively small size of most editions, combined with growing institutional interest in artists who bridged cultural and artistic traditions, indicates potential for continued market growth.
How Do You Authenticate A Wifredo Lam Print?
When establishing the authenticity of your Lam print, you should ensure there is a clear trail of documentation that explains the origins and subsequent sales and exhibitions of the piece. For instance, when a print is sold at auction, buyers will value being able to see what particular collections the piece has been a part of. A set of Apostroph' Apocalypse (1967) that sold in Senago in 2023 was, for example, accompanied by a poem by, and signature of, Luca Gherasim. Verified associations with prestigious names such as this will greatly aid in proving legitimacy.
You should also check any evidence of printing house involvement. Lam worked with several prestigious French printing houses and publishers, including Mourlot and Louis Broder. The involvement of these studios can often be proven through their stamps or certificates of authenticity. The stamp of Mourlot is particularly valuable to knowledgeable collectors of Lam's work due to his long relationship with the studio throughout the 1960s.
A team of scholars is currently working to compile a comprehensive catalogue raisonné of Lam's prints, supported by the Wifredo Lam Foundation in Paris. Until its completion, collectors and sellers can refer to Lou Laurin-Lam's catalogue of paintings, the 2016 catalogue of prints compiled by Dominique Tonneau, and major exhibition catalogues for verification of printing techniques, papers, and edition information.
Edition and Signature
All of Lam's prints bear his signature, often written in pencil as “Wi Lam,” in the lower right corner of the margin. This will usually be accompanied by the edition number written as a fraction in the lower left; however, prints produced before 1960 do not always bear an edition number, making tracing their place within each edition more challenging. Generally, editions are between 50 and 120, though some special editions were kept as low as 25.
Prints that were originally published in portfolios or as part of collections may have additional markings or numbers. Some print sets, such as Apostroph' Apocalypse (1967), may come in specially-made box or folder. These pieces are more valuable when sold as part of their original collection, as they can be more easily verified as a whole. The presence of publisher's information, particularly from French houses, is especially important for authentication.
Browse Wifredo Lam prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about the print market growth on the MAB100 Print Index.
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Has Your Wifredo Lam Print Been Kept In Good Condition?
The condition of your Lam print will significantly influence its value and appeal to collectors. If you have a full set of Lam prints and one is in worse condition than the others, this is likely to affect the value of the set as a whole. When assessing your print, start by examining the paper for any signs of damage or ageing. Look for discolouration, foxing, or acid burn, particularly around the edges. Lam used high-quality wove papers for his prints, including French-made papers from manufacturers like Arches, which are generally resistant to degradation but can still be affected by environmental factors over time.
Lam's prints often feature subtle tonal variations and layered effects that are particularly vulnerable to light damage. His lithographs need special attention, as the inks used in this process can be susceptible to fading if exposed to direct sunlight or harsh artificial light. The aquatints he produced in the 1960s and 1970s require particular care, as their delicate gradations of tone can be easily compromised by improper handling or storage.
Proper storage and display are essential for maintaining your print in good condition. Ideally, prints should be kept in acid-free portfolios, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity. If framed, UV-protective glass and acid-free matting are recommended to prevent light damage and acid migration. 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.
For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Wifredo Lam print, contact MyArtBroker.
When Is The Best Time To Sell My Wifredo Lam Print?
Market timing for Lam prints benefits from understanding both broader art market trends and specific events affecting his work's visibility. Major exhibitions often spark renewed interest and potential price increases. The EY Exhibition at Tate Modern in 2016-17 generated significant attention, resulting in several strong print sales in the following months. In 2019, following the representation of Wifredo Lam at Art Miami (Miami itself being a hotspot for Lam exhibitions), there was a notable uptick in sales across the US market. Additionally, in 2022 and 2023, the Italian market for Lam’s prints boomed following a series of exhibitions, including Surrealism, The Dream and the Unconscious at Guastalla Centro Arte and Lam’s inclusion at Art Basel.
As a general rule, the market shows particular strength during Latin American art sales at major auction houses, which are typically held in spring and autumn. Interest in Surrealist and Modernist prints also influences optimal selling periods. In recent years, there has been an increasing appreciation for artists who bridge cultural traditions, which has benefited Lam's market position. It’s possible to identify favourable market conditions by monitoring auction results and value trajectories through major auction house websites - trends such as the growing interest in Caribbean Modernism in Europe and North America.
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 Wifredo Lam Print?
Selling A Wifredo Lam Via A Broker
Art brokers specialising in Latin American Modernism can offer a more personalised approach to selling Lam prints. These professionals maintain networks of collectors specifically interested in artists who bridge cultural traditions, facilitating private sales with discretion and efficiency. Brokers provide individualised attention and expertise, potentially enabling quicker sales than through auction houses. They also offer privacy in transactions, which can be important for some sellers. Working with a broker typically involves lower fees than auction houses, generally ranging from 10% to 20%. While you might miss the broader exposure of public auctions, a knowledgeable broker's expertise can be invaluable, especially for mid-range Lam prints or those with particular appeal to specialists in Surrealism or Caribbean art. When choosing a broker, look for those with proven experience handling Lam's work and deep understanding of both European and Latin American art markets.
Selling A Wifredo Lam Via Auction House
Major auction houses like Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips regularly include Lam's work in their Latin American and Modern Art sales, offering international exposure and access to established collectors. These institutions employ specialists who understand Lam's unique position bridging European Modernism and Caribbean traditions, enabling them to contextualise his works effectively for potential buyers. The competitive atmosphere of live auctions can drive prices upward, particularly for rare prints or those with strong provenance. Auction houses provide extensive marketing, producing high-quality catalogues and organising preview events that generate interest. However, sellers should consider substantial fees, often reaching 25% of the hammer price. There's also inherent unpredictability in auctions; prints might exceed expectations or fail to meet reserve prices. You'll have limited control over timing and presentation, as you'll need to align with specific Latin American or Modern Art sales. For significant Lam prints, particularly those from his Paris period or with notable exhibition history, the auction route can be highly effective.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling A Wifredo Lam Via Online Marketplace
Online art marketplaces have emerged as alternative venues for selling prints, offering potential access to a global audience. These platforms can be effective for more accessible Lam prints, providing opportunities for quick sales with lower fees compared to traditional channels. Online venues allow sellers to control listing details and pricing, with tools for showcasing images and descriptions. However, selling valuable artworks online presents significant challenges. Without proper authentication protocols and expert guidance, sellers risk undervaluing their work or attracting suspicious buyers. Authentication concerns are particularly relevant for Lam's prints, given their technical complexity and cultural significance. For high-value or rare Lam works, online marketplaces should be approached with caution. If considering this route, opt for specialised fine art platforms with robust verification processes and experience handling works by blue chip artists. These platforms are more likely to attract serious collectors and provide necessary security measures for significant transactions.
Why Sell Your Wifredo Lam 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.
Wifredo Lam 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.
