Banana (F. & S. II.10) © Andy Warhol 1966
Dear Clients & Friends,
As we enter the 2025 art market, it's crucial to reflect on the shifting landscape. Amid unwavering geopolitical unrest, rising interest rates, and new election results, global art sales faced cautious sentiment. While auction sales may have dipped, this doesn’t signify the end of the market. Instead, it highlights a shift in dynamics, with a growing focus on new collectors entering the scene, exploring fresh mediums, embracing accessible works, and leveraging digital technologies.
As we look to 2025, our focus remains on expanding online sales beyond auction houses, highlighting the trust, transparency, and convenience that digital platforms bring to art collecting. This shift is essential as the art market in 2024 experienced hurdles, which discouraged the practices of traditional institutions and selling methods.
Major institutions like Sotheby’s and Christie’s faced significant challenges in 2024, from layoffs and financial restructuring to cyberattacks. Galleries experienced a wave of closures, and even Frieze was listed for sale. However, rather than succumbing to the “doom-porn” narrative that Iwan Wirth aptly described at Art Basel, we see these hurdles as opportunities for transformation. It’s a chance to embrace the expanding digital landscape, move beyond traditional methods that no longer serve the art market, and connect with a younger, more diverse generation of collectors. By leveraging emerging selling platforms, social media, and technology, the art market can continue to adapt and thrive, even under economic pressures.
This report takes a deep dive into the sales figures of blue chip artists in 2024 while exploring the themes in print works that defined the year and are set to shape the future. By analysing the performance of these artists over the past seven years, we present a clear view of the market’s evolution and its most exciting opportunities. These artists continue to serve as the backbone of both the print market and the broader art world, offering stability and clarity in an ever-changing landscape.
We hope this research provides useful insights and inspiration as we move into a new chapter of the art market. Thank you for being part of this journey with us, and we look forward to what lies ahead.
MyArtBroker, 180 Strand Temple, London, WC2R 1EA (by appointment only)
The
Print Market In 2024
The Power of Icons In The Art Market
Numbers Alone Don’t Drive The Narrative
Throughout 2024, much of the focus in the art market has been on numbers. However, through our articles and reports, we’ve aimed to emphasise that the market is driven by far more than just figures. Factors like rarity, exclusivity, narrative, provenance, artist reputation, and legacy play a significant role in shaping collector sentiment and driving demand.
The Concept of Iconic Works in a Cautious Market
One theme we’ve explored extensively is the concept of “iconic” works and their impact on the market. This focus is particularly relevant in a cautious market where collectors and investors are more selective, prioritising pieces with strong narratives and cultural significance. Iconic works naturally command the greatest interest, as they offer a sense of stability and value even during uncertain times.
In the contemporary art market, the definition of “iconic” continues to evolve. This was perhaps most notably demonstrated by Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian - a banana taped to a wall - which sold for an astonishing $6.2 million (USD). Whether one views this as satire or brilliance, the sale of Comedian sparked global conversations about what makes a work truly iconic. This phenomenon mirrors what we’ve been observing and analysing within the print market all year: the power of a strong narrative to elevate a work’s significance and appeal.
While the banana may have stolen headlines, its ability to ignite discourse underscores the enduring influence of iconic imagery - whether it’s a simple fruit or a celebrated blue chip print.
Blue Chip Artists and the Power of Icons
To understand this, we can begin by defining an iconic image in its simplest terms: a visual representation that transcends its original context, achieving widespread recognition and carrying cultural, historical, or artistic significance. When considering artists who meet this definition, Andy Warhol often comes to mind as the quintessential creator of iconic imagery. Warhol's market is defined by themes of consumerism and celebrity culture, which translate into powerful and enduring visuals. His Marilyn Monroe prints exemplify the creation of an iconic image, transforming a celebrity portrait into a universally recognised symbol of Pop Art, transcending its original context to achieve timeless cultural significance.
Roy Lichtenstein's impressive market performance highlights his mastery in creating iconic works, with his most coveted prints from the 1960s often depicting comic-book-style damsels in distress, embodying the pop culture of the era. However, his recent market success has redefined the notion of “iconic” within his portfolio, driven by the rising prominence of his Nudes series. These works retain his signature Ben-Day dot technique while reimagining the distressed female archetype as a confident, modern figure. This evolution aligns with broader cultural movements, including the Me Too movement and the growing emphasis on women's empowerment and representation. By tying the Nudes artworks to these cultural shifts, their iconic status is elevated, connecting them to contemporary social phenomena. Recent record-breaking sales from this collection have added more than £2 million to Lichtenstein’s overall market value in 2024, reaffirming the desirability and relevance of these works in Contemporary art.
Keith Haring’s iconic status is deeply rooted in his seamless fusion of art and activism, where his bold, vibrant figures - such as dancing silhouettes and radiant babies - embody themes of freedom and movement. David Hockney, in contrast, derives his distinguished stature from his unparalleled technical mastery and expansive artistic vision. His works effortlessly merge fluidity and structure, capturing the delicate motion of water and the serenity of nature, all while maintaining a precise awareness of perspective - qualities that continue to resonate across generations.
Damien Hirst, undeniably celebrated for his disruptive rise as a Young British Artist (YBA), has cemented his iconic reputation through a combination of provocative celebrity status and carefully timed, limited releases, sustaining both market demand and the allure of his art. Banksy’s status, on the other hand, thrives on the paradox of his anonymity, which fuels his enduring mystique. His market, characterised by the notorious dramatic surge followed by a correction, remains anchored by one of Contemporary art’s most recognisable images: the little girl with the red heart balloon, a motif that consistently achieves strong results in his print market.
While Jean-Michel Basquiat’s legacy remains a cornerstone of Contemporary art, 2024 saw Ed Ruscha claim the spotlight. Ruscha's standout performance in the November evening sales reignited enthusiasm for his print market, underscoring the lasting significance and appeal of his signature Americana aesthetic. Alongside these established names, Helen Frankenthaler emerged as a rising force, with her contributions to Abstract Expressionism earning her growing recognition and a steadily strengthening market presence throughout the year.
The Growing Importance of Narratives
Each of these artists offers a unique interpretation of “iconic,” and their lasting appeal played a significant role in driving 2024 market performance. As we analysed the year’s sales, another key trend emerged: the growing significance of narratives in shaping demand. At the start of 2024, we predicted that the absence of major private collections coming to auction would shift focus towards private sales. While this is inherently difficult to quantify due to the opacity of private transactions, it seems a plausible conclusion based on the market's behaviour throughout the year. Auction houses and galleries appeared to lean heavily on storytelling and thematic framing to drive engagement, compensating for the lack of headline-grabbing public sales from prestigious private collections. This shift underscores the evolving dynamics of the art market, where emotional and narrative connections between buyers and works continue to play an increasingly critical role in sustaining market momentum.
Similarly, the prints that excelled in 2024 were those embedded with meaningful narratives, inherently tied to their iconic status. Whether through their subject matter, themes, or the legacy of the attached provenance, these works illustrate why the print market remains robust. For future collectors, the power of these narratives will continue to be a cornerstone of the market, driving its growth and relevance in the years ahead.
Andy
Warhol
Market Performance & Auction Trends
Andy Warhol’s market performance in 2024 reflects a moderate contraction following the peak years of 2022 and 2023, but it continues to showcase robust demand and a relatively stable average selling price (ASP).
Sales Value and Volume Trends
In 2024, Warhol’s total sales value decreased to £32.5 million, down from £39 million in 2023, representing a drop of 17%. Sales volume also declined, with 529 lots sold compared to 620 in 2023 (-15%). These decreases are likely a reflection of broader market conditions, including cautious collector sentiment amidst economic uncertainty, and a slight reduction in high-value works entering the market.
ASP Performance
The ASP for Warhol’s prints in 2024 remained stable at £61,400, nearly matching the previous year’s figure despite fewer lots being sold. This suggests that while the overall volume and sales value decreased, the market for Warhol’s prints still commands significant interest and high bidding activity for sought-after pieces.
Market Trends and Insights
Market Resilience: Warhol’s prints continue to exhibit resilience and demand, with a strong ASP and steady sales value even in a slightly contracting market.
Cautious Optimism: The decline in both sales value and volume could signal a more selective approach by both consignors and buyers, with only high-quality or rare works achieving premium prices.
Historical Context: When compared to previous years, the £32.5 million sales value in 2024 still outperforms pre-2021 levels, illustrating sustained growth in Warhol’s market over the long term.
Complete Sets
Complete sets are a cornerstone of Warhol’s print market, celebrated for capturing culturally significant themes that define their era. With iconic consumer imagery and celebrity portraits, these collections universally resonate while embodying the essence of Warhol’s artistic legacy. Timeless in their appeal, they consistently rank among the market's top performers.
Iconic Sets: Celebrity Portraits Set New Records
In 2024, sets with iconic and timeless themes delivered impressive results despite cautious market sentiment. Many maintained strong valuations, with several achieving notable year-over-year (YoY) increases, underscoring their enduring demand. Highlights include:
Endangered Species (1983): Set a new auction record with a sale of £3.4 million, marking a 22% increase compared to 2023.
Marilyn (1967): Achieved £2.9 million, representing a 24% increase from the previous year.
Flowers (1970): Realised £1.6 million, reflecting a decrease of 16% versus 2023 but still showcasing strong demand.
Ten Portraits Of Jews (1980): Set a new auction record at £925,560, a significant 58% increase YoY.
Campbell's Soup I (1968): Sold for £882,000, a 42% decrease compared to 2023.
Moonwalk Suite (1987): Reached a new auction record of £587,978, up by 3% from the previous year.
Mao (1972): Achieved £403,200, a decline of 44% YoY.
Muhammad Ali (1978): Sold for £279,400, showing a 17% increase compared to 2023.
Grapes (1979): Realised £277,200, marking a 11% increase from the previous year.
Rare Complete Sets: Cowboys And Indians And Double Mickey Mouse
While Warhol’s iconic complete sets continued to deliver strong performances in 2024, the year also brought attention to rarer and less frequently seen collections. One standout was the return of Warhol’s Cowboys And Indians (complete set) (1986) to auction for the first time since 2022, when it achieved a record £773,287. Although the set did not break a record in 2024, it secured a commendable £636,976 at Phillips in October. Its appeal lies in its affordability relative to other Warhol works and its cultural resonance, capturing iconic imagery tied to American history and identity.
Another highlight was Double Mickey (1981), a rare edition of 25 prints featuring distinct colour variations, each effectively one-of-a-kind. This piece, a playful nod to American consumerism, reappeared on the market at Christie’s after a two-year hiatus, achieving an impressive £485,487.
Death And Disaster Prints
Astronauts and Ambulance Disaster Command Strong Auction Results
Warhol’s Astronauts (1963), a large-scale screenprint, marks a significant moment in his artistic career, utilising his signature repetition technique to capture the cultural and historical importance of the Cold War era and America’s fascination with space exploration. This work draws parallels to the themes of his Moonwalk collection, reflecting the intersection of pop culture and historical milestones. Reappearing on the market for the first time since 2010, Astronauts achieved an impressive £501,752 at Sotheby’s in March, reinforcing its relevance and collector appeal.
Complementing this, Warhol’s Ambulance Disaster (circa 1963), which aligns with his iconic Death And Disaster series, sold for £351,944 at Christie’s November marquee sales. While the Death and Disaster series was predominantly composed of original works, it extended to prints that carried the same conceptual weight. These prints, including Ambulance Disaster, delve into themes of mortality, tragedy, and media saturation, underscoring the series' enduring impact. Prints like these from the 1960s and 1980s are rare, and together they underscore Warhol’s ability to embed cultural commentary into visually striking works, seamlessly bridging historical significance with contemporary relevance in the art market.
Renaissance Paintings
Trial Proof Renaissance Paintings Set New Records
Warhol’s Renaissance series, inspired by masterpieces from the Renaissance period, gave a phenomenal performance at Phillips' January print sale, signalling early signs of market momentum. This collection showcases Warhol’s signature Pop Art reinterpretation of classical themes and remain somewhat under-recognised in the market compared to his more commercialised imagery, likely due to their niche appeal. However, their rich cultural dialogue and inventive reinterpretation position them as undervalued gems with significant potential for greater appreciation. This was evident when four different TPs from Warhol's Renaissance series each surpassed their high estimates at Phillips:
Sandro Botticelli, Birth of Venus, 1482 (TP) (1984) | £234,950
Leonardo da Vinci, The Annunciation, 1472 (TP) (1984) | New Auction Record: £53,340
Paolo Uccello, St. George and the Dragon, 1460 (TP) (1987) | New Auction Record: £40,640
Piero della Francesca, Madonna del Duca da Montefeltro, circa 1472 (TP) (1984) | £30,480
Endangered Species
Endangered Species Trial Proofs and Regular Editions Spark Market Momentum
Although fewer TPs entered the market in 2024, demand for these proofs remained robust, especially for works from the Endangered Species (1983) collection. Renowned for its rarity, both as a complete set and as individual proofs, this series continues to achieve impressive auction results for regular editions and special edition proofs.
Complete Set Record
Endangered Species (complete set): Achieved a record-breaking £3.4 million at Sotheby’s in November, setting a new auction record for the collection and solidifying its position as the highest-valued Warhol print of 2024.
Individual Regular Edition And Artist Proof Sales
Siberian Tiger (AP): Sold for £245,928 at Sotheby’s in April, making it the most in-demand print from the series.
Bald Eagle: Set a new auction record at Sotheby’s in March, selling for £190,500.
Black Rhinoceros: Appeared multiple times in 2024, increasing in value with each sale and achieving a record £137,153 at Phillips in October.
Trial Proof Sales
Orangutan (TP): Featuring ombre pink hues, sold for £174,198 at Sotheby’s, marking its first sale since 2021 and the first time this print exceeded £100,000.
Pine Barrens Tree Frog (TP): Set a new record, with a rainbow-coloured frog against a jet-black background, achieving £162,138.
Black Rhinoceros (TP): The standout of the series, featuring a never-before-seen pink rhino against an emerald green background, achieved an impressive £190,500 at Phillips in September.
These results highlight the sustained desirability of the Endangered Species collection, with its vibrant imagery and cultural significance resonating strongly with collectors. The exceptional performance of TPs further demonstrates the series’ capacity to deliver record-breaking results, driven by its rarity and the appeal of one-of-a-kind colour variations.
Earlier in 2024, we released a detailed market report with a special focus on Warhol’s Endangered Species, exploring its price growth and rarity in depth. For a comprehensive analysis of this trending collection, refer to our Andy Warhol Market Report.
Celebrity Portraits
The Timeless Value in Warhol’s Iconic Portraits
Regardless of market sentiment or narrative, Warhol’s celebrity portraits have consistently demonstrated resilience, driven by the enduring iconography of his subjects. In 2023, his celebrity prints - featuring icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Queen Elizabeth, and Mick Jagger - dominated the market with high volumes and consecutive record-breaking sales. While these prints continued to appear on the market in 2024, some shifts were notable. For instance, the Queen Elizabeth (1985) prints saw a slight decline in value, with prices ranging from £150,000 to £250,000 ultimately falling short of setting any new records.
Mick Jagger (1975) Collection
Mick Jagger (F. & S. II.145): Achieved a record-breaking £203,600 at Bonhams, far exceeding its high estimate of £80,000, and marking the highest-valued individual print from the collection.
Marilyn (1967) Collection
Marilyn (F. & S. II.27): Sold for £142,194 at Galerie Kornfeld in September, setting a new auction record.
Marilyn (F. & S. II.30): Surpassed its previous high, achieving £126,000 with fees at Rago in October.
These impressive results underscore the enduring appeal of Warhol’s celebrity-themed works, which continue to achieve strong market performances YoY. The combination of cultural significance and iconic imagery solidifies these collections as cornerstones of Warhol’s print market.
Market Performance & Auction Trends
Keith Haring's print market in 2024 experienced a combination of positive and challenging trends, reflecting fluctuations in both sales value and volume.
Sales Value And Volume Trends
In 2024, Haring's total sales value declined by 28%, falling to £3.3 million compared to £4.6 million in 2023. However, sales volume matched the performance of 2023, with 139 lots sold. This disparity between sales value and volume indicates a shift in market dynamics, likely influenced by an increased presence of lower-valued prints in the auction market amid cautious economic conditions. This is further supported by the reduced availability of Haring’s high-value works, such as the iconic Andy Mouse prints, which were less prevalent in 2024 compared to 2023, contributing to the decline in total sales value.
ASP Performance
The ASP for Haring’s prints fell by 34%, dropping to £23,900 from £36,100 in 2023. This decline reflects the increased proportion of lower-value works in 2024’s auctions. Despite this, the steady sales volume indicates that interest in Haring’s prints remains robust, even as the market adjusts to changing collector preferences and availability of premium pieces.
Market Trends And Insights
Sustained Interest: The sustained sales volume highlights continued engagement with Haring’s work, suggesting that his prints appeal to a broader collector base, including newer entrants to the market.
Strategic Positioning: Auction houses and consignors have seemingly aimed to make Haring’s prints more accessible, positioning lower-valued works to attract a wider audience.
Challenges and Opportunities: While the market faced challenges in 2024, including a decline in ASP and sales value, the sustained activity signals enduring interest and the potential for renewed growth if high-value pieces return to auctions in greater numbers.
Haring’s Yellow Dog
Haring’s Yellow Dog Trial Proof Sells At Phillips
Haring’s Dog prints have consistently ranked among his highest-valued works in the print and multiples market over the past decade. These editions are available in two distinct forms: a collection of three plywood cutouts in red, yellow, and black/white, and lithographs with full margins, produced in an edition of 40. Both forms are exceedingly rare to the market, and while their appearances were limited in 2023, they became more prevalent in 2024.
In June, Phillips’ Editions Sale featured a standout yellow plywood Dog TP (1986), which sold for £355,600, surpassing the red regular edition that achieved a similar result at Sotheby’s the previous year. For the lithographic Dog prints, 2024 saw four examples come to auction in global hubs - New York, London, Hong Kong, and Vienna - underscoring the strong international presence of Haring’s market. The top-selling lithograph was presented at Phillips’ London sale in January, setting an impressive tone for the year by achieving £95,250, just shy of the record value set in 2022.
Pyramids
Haring Sets New Record With Pyramids Prints
Six works from Haring's Pyramids (1989) collection came to auction in 2024, marking a pivotal moment for these rare and culturally significant pieces. Having been absent from the market in 2023, their return in 2024 generated notable attention within the global art market. These works, deeply symbolic of the HIV/AIDS crisis in 1980s New York and emblematic of inclusivity within the global LGBTQ+ community, carry immense cultural resonance - a theme that has been driving demand for American Pop artworks in the 2024 market. Their rarity and historical context have solidified their lasting appeal, further underscored by the impressive results they achieved in 2024.
The collection's return was met with successful results across major international auction hubs, with sales spanning Asia and Europe, demonstrating their far-reaching demand and relevance. From record-breaking performances in Japan to steady appreciation in European markets, the global presence of these works highlights their ability to transcend regional boundaries. Key sales include:
Pyramid (blue I): Achieved £76,200 at Phillips' January Editions Sale, setting a new auction record.
Pyramid (gold II): Sold for £50,800 at Phillips in January, also establishing a new record.
Pyramid (blue II): Realised £32,782 at SBI Art Auction, reflecting strong demand in the Asian market.
Pyramid (gold I): Set a record of £38,373 at Mainichi Auction in Osaka, surpassing its 2021 record.
Pyramid (gold II): Sold for £32,309 at Dorotheum in December, demonstrating steady performance and strong sales in the European market.
Pop Shop
Haring’s Pop Shop Prints: Complete Sets, Quads, And Individual Prints
Pop Shop works remained a key feature in Haring’s print market in 2024, continuing the strong momentum seen in 2023. Their enduring appeal stems from their recognisability and cross-generational likeability, paired with their relative affordability and accessibility. These works are available in various formats - individual prints, quads, and complete sets - offering collectors flexibility and opportunities for portfolio diversification. Notable sales in 2024 include:
Pop Shop IV (1989): A complete set sold for £91,189 at Christie’s in April, coming close to the auction record set by Pop Shop I in 2023.
Pop Shop III (1989): Achieved a new auction record of £104,528 at De Vuyst in March, a significant rise from its previous record of £28,000 in 2016.
Pop Shop VI (1989): Set a record at Bonhams Los Angeles, selling for £58,333, reflecting the increasing value of these collections.
The Pop Shop Quad prints, single screenprints featuring all four individual prints from a Pop Shop collection combined into one artwork, offer a unique alternative to complete sets. While generally more affordable than acquiring each print individually, their market value is steadily rising. For instance, Pop Shop Quad I (1987) set a new record at SBI Art Auction in Japan, achieving £57,512.
Individual Pop Shop prints also performed strongly, maintaining accessibility with average prices between £25,000 and £35,000. A standout sale was Best Buddies (1990), created in collaboration with Best Buddies International, which achieved £41,747 at the Elton John Sale at Christie’s in February, setting a new record for this print in a Western auction house.
The Blueprint Drawings
Haring’s Blueprint Drawings Achieve Record Prices
Created in 1980, Haring's Blueprint Drawings represent some of his earliest and most intimate works. These prints not only showcase Haring’s raw, spontaneous energy but also feature his now-iconic motifs, such as dancing figures and radiant babies, offering a unique glimpse into the foundational elements of his visual language.
The Blueprint Drawings are rare to the market. Unlike many of Haring’s more widely circulated colourful works, these early prints are relatively unknown. In 2024 these works experienced a resurgence from previous years, with at least 15 appearances at auctions. This renewed visibility reflects both the growing recognition of their historical and artistic significance and aligns with broader trends in Haring's market in 2024, where a higher volume of works entered the market but often at lower price points compared to his most highly valued pieces.
The year saw several Blueprint Drawings achieve new auction records, below are the highest valued sales:
Blueprint Drawings Plate 10: New Auction Record of $41,250 (USD) at Heritage Auctions
Blueprint Drawings Plate 1: New Auction Record of £29,390 at Phillips in October
Blueprint Drawings Plate 5: New Auction Record of $20,480 (USD) at Bonhams
Blueprint Drawings Plate 8: $17,500 (USD) at Heritage Auctions
Blueprint Drawings Plate 12: New Auction Record of $16,875 (USD) at Heritage Auctions
Blueprint Drawings Plate 7: $13,750 (USD) at Heritage Auctions
Disclaimer: The auction data presented here reflects publicly available information. However, sales from Heritage Auctions, while referenced, are not included in MyArtBroker’s internal Keith Haring market data. These results are provided for broader context on the market performance of Haring's works.
A Year of Record-Breaking Sales
The Evolution of Haring's Graphic Style in Untitled Prints
Haring’s print market also features a wide array of Untitled prints, often tied closely to their year of creation, showcasing the evolution of his graphic style throughout his career. In 2024, several notable Untitled prints came to auction, with the standout being Untitled Medusa Head (1986), which set an impressive auction record of £121,586 at Christie’s in April. Similarly, Untitled USA (1982) sold for £33,981 at Christie’s in October, further emphasising the sustained collector interest in Haring’s diverse and innovative portfolio.
Strong Results from Haring’s Icons (1990) Series
Haring’s Icons (1990) series also delivered strong results. Barking Dog set a new auction record at £18,523 during Sotheby’s June 2024 sale, while Radiant Baby, one of Haring’s most recognisable motifs, achieved £27,606 in Japan in March, setting another record.
Lucky Strike Series: Cultural Significance Meets Market Demand
The Lucky Strike (1987) series garnered attention during Christie’s September 2024 sales, achieving two auction records. These works' appeal lies in their cultural connection to 1980s America and the era's pervasive smoking culture.
Commissioned by the cigarette company, the vibrant and bold prints encapsulate the spirit of the time, blending Haring’s signature graphic style with themes of consumerism and cultural identity. Lucky Strike (blue) sold for £30,240, while Lucky Strike (yellow) followed at £22,680.
Roy
Lichtenstein
Market Performance & Auction Trends
In 2024, Roy Lichtenstein's print market showcased remarkable resilience and continued growth, reaffirming his status as a pivotal figure in the blue chip print category. With a strong year-end performance driven by high-value works and strategic auction house positioning, Lichtenstein's prints demonstrated enduring collector appeal and impressive market momentum despite broader economic challenges.
Sales Value and Volume Trends
Lichtenstein’s print market in 2024 demonstrated characteristic strength and high activity, with over 200 prints entering the market for the seventh consecutive year. The year began relatively slowly, mirroring broader trends in Lichtenstein’s market, but momentum surged in Q4 sales. October print sales and November marquee auctions, bolstered by works included from the personal collection of Dorothy and Roy Lichtenstein - including unique studies of editioned works - played a pivotal role in driving this resurgence.
By year-end, Lichtenstein's total sales value reached an impressive £9.1 million, marking a 16% increase from 2023. This impressive result was achieved despite a modest 2% decline in lots sold, with a total of 269 prints transacted.
ASP Performance
The ASP for Lichtenstein’s prints rose to £33,900, representing an 17% YoY increase. This significant ASP growth reflects the market’s focus on high-value works, with nearly £1 million generated from individual pieces. These results underscore robust demand and competitive bidding activity for Lichtenstein's most sought-after prints, highlighting his relevance.
Market Trends and Insights
Individual Print Dominance: Unlike many contemporary artists whose markets often rely on complete sets or special edition proofs, Lichtenstein’s market remains predominantly driven by individual print sales. These accounted for the majority of transactions in 2024, contributing significantly to the market’s upward trajectory.
Strategic Resurgence: The strong Q4 performance underscores a strategic effort by auction houses to feature works with prestigious provenance, including several from the Lichtenstein's private collection, highlighting Lichtenstein’s artistic legacy and cementing his status as a cornerstone of the blue chip print market.
Continued Appeal: The impressive sales figures and growing ASP reaffirm the enduring demand for Lichtenstein’s prints, illustrating his lasting impact and collector interest across global markets.
Composition Prints
Record Breaking Sales For Musical Composition Prints
Early in the art market calendar, Lichtenstein's lesser-seen Composition prints made a notable reappearance. These works draw from his signature Ben-Day dot technique, showcasing his later experimentation of reinterpreting Abstract Expressionism and comic imagery within the Pop Art framework. Absent from the market in 2023, Lichtenstein's Composition prints made a strong comeback in 2024.
Composition I (1996): Set a new auction record at Christie’s in April, achieving £55,727.
Composition IV (1995): Appeared multiple times in 2024, ultimately setting a new record of £22,860 at Phillips in September.
Nudes
Lichtenstein's Nudes (1994) series remains one of the most sought-after collections in the art market. Created during the later phase of his career, these works transition from the traditional “damsel in distress” narrative to portray confident women alone in their boudoirs. These pieces, seductive and in vogue, blend themes of feminism and the voyeuristic gaze with Lichtenstein’s signature Pop Art style, making them immensely popular among collectors.
In 2024, several works from this seven-part series achieved remarkable results, particularly those emerging from the personal Lichtenstein collection, showcasing their appeal and significance to Lichtenstein’s artistic development. The highest achieving of these works were:
Two Nudes: Appeared multiple times throughout the year, achieving its highest sale price of £225,332 in October at Phillips.
Roommates: Set a new record at £952,284 in November during Sotheby’s day sale, consigned by the Dorothy and Roy Lichtenstein estate, alongside
Nude With Yellow Pillow: Set a new record at £952,284 in November during Sotheby’s day sale, consigned by the Dorothy and Roy Lichtenstein estate.
Nude With Blue Hair: Achieved £758,630 in Sotheby’s evening sale, further highlighting the series' strong market momentum.
These sales underscore the sustained demand for the Nudes series while highlighting the increasing recognition of prints as a valuable medium, reinforced by their strategic positioning alongside original works in marquee evening sales.
Other Notable results from Sotheby’s November Sales
In addition to the Nudes series, unique studies by Lichtenstein also garnered significant attention:
Nude with Pyramid (Study) (1994): A pencil drawing that sold for £1.6 million.
Nude with Bust (Study) (1995): A mixed media drawing achieving £3.6 million.
I Love Liberty (Study) (c.1982): Sold for £618,984, outside the Nudes series but part of the same sale.
These impressive results reflect the sustained interest in Lichtenstein’s work across different themes and mediums.
Reflections
Lichtenstein's Reflections Series: Auction Highlights and Value Trends by Subject Matter
Lichtenstein's Reflections series was also a highlight in auction sales in 2024. This nine-part series uniquely explores themes of perception and abstraction, merging Lichtenstein's iconic Pop Art aesthetic with ideas of distortion and visual interruption. The series stands out for its innovative commentary on both the process of art-making and the act of seeing itself.
Throughout 2024, works from the Reflections series appeared prominently in auction sales, with their value varying based on the subject matter. Pieces featuring brushstrokes and Abstract Expressionist influences typically sold for between £25,000 and £35,000, while the more figurative, Pop Art comic book-inspired works achieved higher prices, ranging from £85,000 to £200,000.
The diversity in themes and value is also reflected in proofs, where regular editions can, in some cases, achieve higher sales prices than AP versions, as seen with Reflections On A Soda Fountain (1991) in 2024. These factors collectively highlight the enduring appeal and relevance of this series, which caters to a wide range of collectors. In 2024, the following Reflections works achieved notable auction results:
Reflections On Minerva (1990): £65,859 at Christie’s in April
Reflections On Crash (1990): £141,850 at Christie’s in April
Reflections On Expressionist Paint (1990): £21,823 at Larsen Art Auction
Reflections On A Soda Fountain (1991): £76,246 at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
Interior
Lichtenstein’s Interior Collection Achieves New Records
Lichtenstein’s Interior collection represents a pivotal moment in his career, shifting focus from his iconic figurative and comic-inspired works to meticulously composed architectural spaces devoid of human presence. By transforming everyday interiors into pristine showcases of luxury, Lichtenstein elevates the ordinary, inviting viewers to reflect on the artistry of modern design.
Record-breaking sales in 2024 highlight the growing desirability of this rare collection. The scarcity of these works, coupled with their timeless relevance and universal appeal, has driven collector interest. Interior spaces remain a point of fascination, and Lichtenstein’s ability to blend architectural precision with bold Pop Art techniques - vivid colours, clean lines, and Ben-Day dots - creates a distinctive aesthetic that sets these works apart.
As collectors seek pieces that balance historical significance with visual appeal, Lichtenstein’s Interior collection has solidified its position as a cornerstone of his print market, achieving remarkable results and reaffirming its cultural and artistic significance.
Key Sales from the Interior Collection:
The Den (1990): Surpassed its previous record sale in April, achieving £76,371 at Bonhams in November.
Yellow Vase (1990): Made its first market appearance since 2021, selling for £65,859 at Christie’s in April.
Wallpaper With Blue Floor (1992): Sold for £35,560 at Phillips in September, though it fell short of setting a new record.
Red Lamps (1990): Achieved consecutive record-breaking sales, first at Christie's Pairs and culminating at Bonhams in November, where it realised an impressive £86,501.
Other Notable Lichtenstein Print Sales in 2024:
Sunrise (1965): Exceeded expectations at Christie’s in April, achieving £19,599 against a modest high estimate of £9,000.
The Oval Office (1992): Sold for £50,661 at Christie’s in April.
Red Barn (1969): Set a new auction record, selling for £38,860 in October at Sotheby’s.
Water Lily Pond With Reflection (1992):Achieved a staggering £1.1 million at Sotheby’s in November.
Market Performance & Auction Trends
David Hockney's print market in 2024 experienced a significant shift from the record-breaking highs of the previous year, influenced by market corrections and broader economic challenges. While the decline was notable, it reflects a rebalancing rather than diminished interest in his work. The enduring breadth and diversity of Hockney's print market, a defining feature of his legacy, have proven to captivate a wide collector base.
Sales Value And Volume Trends
In 2024, Hockney's total sales value dropped to £6.2 million, a 59% decline from 2023’s peak of £15 million. Sales volume also fell sharply, with 289 lots sold compared to 505 in the previous year, marking a 43% reduction. This notable contraction reflects a cooling off from the hyperactivity seen in 2023. A contributing factor may be that collectors are holding onto high-value works, anticipating more favourable selling conditions in the future.
ASP Performance
The ASP for Hockney's prints in 2024 declined by 28%, landing at £21,300, down from £29,700 in 2023. Despite this drop, the ASP remains respectable relative to historical averages, indicating ongoing interest in Hockney’s works even amid market adjustments.
Market Trends and Insights
Cooling Market Momentum: The sharp decline in sales value and volume suggests a more cautious market in 2024, influenced by economic uncertainties and a natural correction following the previous year's peak performance.
Collector Engagement: Despite the downturn, Hockney's print market continues to demonstrate resilience. His works' accessibility across various price points ensures broad collector engagement, appealing to both new and seasoned buyers.
Key Value Determinants: Condition, rarity, and subject matter remain critical factors in determining the value of Hockney's prints. Proof editions garnered varied results in 2024, highlighting collectors' attention to the nuances of his works.
Complete Sets
Hockney’s print market in 2024 showcased the rarity and demand for complete sets within his extensive print portfolio. Unlike many artists, Hockney’s market includes only a small number of complete sets that have ever come to auction, making them highly coveted. In 2024, just three complete sets were offered at auction:
Dog Wall (1998), was the highest valued and achieved a commendable £317,500 in September during Phillips’ dedicated Hockney sale. The same set appeared again in October at Sotheby’s, selling slightly below its estimate.
While sales underperforming can seem modest, the broader trajectory of Dog Wall is significant: in 2023, it surpassed £100,000 for the first time after being absent from the market since 2015, highlighting the ongoing growth and resilience of Hockney’s prints and multiples market across a variety of imagery, themes, and techniques.
A Rake’s Progress (1963), achieved £254,000 during Phillips’ Hockney sale. This marked only its fourth appearance at auction, demonstrating the rarity and exclusivity of this collection.
Illustrations for Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm (1969), offered in March 2024 at Forum, this portfolio, featuring 45 etchings across lettered editions, is extraordinarily rare to find as a complete set due to frequent sales of individual etchings.
Edition G came to Forum Auctions in March and was sold incomplete with mismatched edition numbers, reflecting the difficulty of obtaining a cohesive portfolio. Despite these limitations, it achieved a hammer price of £58,000, ranking second only to the record-setting £98,671 achieved in 2023 for a set with matching edition numbers.
Moving Focus
Hockney’s Moving Focus Collection Gains Attention as His Largest Series
Hockney's Moving Focus print collection is a landmark series that exemplifies his groundbreaking exploration of perspective, space, and visual storytelling. Drawing inspiration from Cubism, these works challenge conventional viewpoints, inviting viewers to engage with multiple perspectives and shifting planes within a single composition. This series captures movement, time, and the fluidity of perception, in the same way that his most famed nature and water themed works do, offering a dynamic reinterpretation of traditional artistic principles.
After being somewhat overlooked in recent years, 2024 saw a notable resurgence in the collection’s market presence. Record-breaking sales highlighted its growing appeal among collectors and reinforced its enduring cultural and artistic significance. This renewed interest solidifies the Moving Focus series as a cornerstone of Hockney’s print oeuvre and a testament to his innovative legacy in contemporary art.
Highest-Valued Sales
Hotel Acatlán: Two Weeks Later (1985): This print appeared multiple times, setting consecutive auction records, achieving £110,632 in March and later surpassing this with £135,923 at Christie’s in October.
Hotel Acatlán: Second Day (1984): Delivered a commendable performance at Phillips in September, selling for £104,839, just shy of a new record.
The Influence of Cubism
An Image of Gregory (1984): Reflecting Hockney’s Cubist influences, this print set a new auction record at Phillips in April, achieving £112,288 and surpassing its previous high set in 2020.
An Image of Celia, State I (1984): Also showcasing Cubist elements, this work gained attention during its third-ever auction appearance in October, achieving a record-breaking £101,776.
Hockney's Mastery of Perspective
The Perspective Lesson (1984): Offered at Phillips’ dedicated Hockney sale, this piece sold for £11,430.
Two Pembroke Studio Chairs (1984): Another perspective-focused work, it sold above estimate at Bonhams in October, achieving £13,493.
Market Performance & Auction Trends
Damien Hirst’s print market in 2024 delivered a moderately strong performance, marked by growth in sales value, volume, and ASP. However, the year also revealed a mix of successes and challenges, with certain large edition releases experiencing unsold works. This dynamic reflects both the breadth of Hirst’s extensive portfolio and the ongoing balancing act between prolific output and sustained collector demand.
Sales Value and Volume Trends
Hirst’s print market in 2024 saw total sales value increase to £2.8 million, up from £2.6 million in 2023. This modest growth represents a recovery phase following the market's peak performance in 2022 (£4.6 million). Sales volume also increased slightly from 340 in 2023 to 347 in 2024, indicating steady collector interest despite broader market uncertainties.
ASP Performance
In 2024, the ASP for Hirst's prints experienced a modest increase to £8,100, rising from £7,600 in 2023. This marks a slight recovery after the notable dip in ASP seen in 2023 and suggests a stabilisation in demand for Hirst’s prints.
Despite fluctuations across recent years, this uptick indicates a growing preference for moderately priced works rather than high-value standout pieces. Collectors appear to be focusing on accessible yet thematically significant prints, reflecting a cautious yet consistent market engagement.
Market Trends and Insights
Market Variability: Hirst’s print market demonstrated mixed results in 2024, with some complete sets and individual prints exceeding expectations while others underperformed. This variability reflects the challenges of balancing his prolific creative output with market demand.
Impact of Limited Editions: Hirst’s collaboration with HENI and the release of frequent limited-edition time-drop prints continue to generate interest but have also contributed to market saturation, affecting pricing dynamics for certain works.
Notable Sales:The inaugural dedicated Damien Hirst online sale at Phillips highlighted significant achievements in 2024. This event produced the year’s two highest-performing editions:
Day In Day Out (2003): Sold for £177,800, setting a notable benchmark.
End Of Days (2003): Achieved £127,000, further reinforcing collector interest in Hirst’s early pharmaceutical-themed pieces.
These results underscore the enduring desirability of Hirst’s iconic works, particularly those tied to his foundational themes, and highlight his sustained relevance in the competitive Contemporary print market.
Love Poems
Love Poems Series: Record-Breaking Auction Sales in 2024
Hirst's Love Poems (2013) series, created as a celebration of love and beauty, features his signature butterfly motif arranged in vibrant, intricate compositions. These works are not only visually captivating but also carry an emotional resonance, reflecting themes of transience and ephemeral beauty that are central to Hirst’s artistic vision. Their creation in 2013 during a peak period of his exploration into themes of life, death, and nature adds further depth to their appeal. With only a few prior appearances at auction, this series stands out for its rarity, making its strong performance in 2024 particularly noteworthy.
Love Poems (complete sets):
Complete Set (January at Phillips): Marked its first auction appearance since 2021 and only its third overall, achieving an auction record of £78,740.
Complete Set (October): Reappeared at auction and fetched an even higher price of £101,600, further underlining its popularity and demand.
Individual Prints:
To A Stranger: Sold for £11,340 at Christie’s in March, setting a new auction record.
Longing: Achieved £8,207 at Bonhams in October.
The strong performance of both the complete set and individual prints in 2024 highlights the enduring appeal of Hirst’s butterfly-themed works, which resonate deeply with collectors. The intricate detail, vibrant colours, and emotional depth of these prints, combined with their reflection on themes of love and fleeting beauty, solidify their significance in the Contemporary market.
Love
Hirst's Love Collection: Butterfly Heart Prints and Record Sales in 2024
Hirst's Love collection, featuring bold red hearts with butterflies at their centre, encapsulates themes of love, life, and transformation - key elements of his artistic vision. Romantic in design and symbolising the fragility of nature, these works have remained among Hirst’s most popular and top-selling prints year after year. While demand for works within the Love series is consistent, values fluctuate depending on the number of works available and their size.
Highlights from 2024 include:
Big Love
Big Love (2010): which achieved £48,260 at Phillips in June, surpassing its 2023 value.
All You Need Is Love Love Love
All You Need Is Love Love Love (2008) sold in various formats:
Larger regular edition (152 x 152 cm), with diamond dust: Sold for £30,400 at Christie’s in April.
Smaller AP (127 x 127 cm): Sold for £32,760 at Christie’s in October.
Printer’s Proof (PP) (91 x 91 cm): Achieved £25,400 at Phillips in October.
The Virtues
Hirst's The Virtues Collection: Market Strengths and Challenges in 2024
Since their introduction to the secondary market in 2021, Hirst's The Virtues (2021) series has maintained strong appeal among collectors. However, the collection has also contributed to fluctuations within Hirst’s print market.
The Virtues Complete Sets
For complete sets, the highest sale of 2024 occurred in February at Phillips, where a set achieved £121,083. Throughout the year, the series appeared six more times, with only five sets selling. This highlights potential market saturation and the diminishing exclusivity of repeated appearances.
The Virtues Individual Prints
From individual prints, notable sales included:
Loyalty (H9-7): Sold for £35,280 at Christie’s in April.
Courage (H9-2): Achieved £18,900 at Christie’s in March.
Politeness (H9-4): Realised £17,640, also at Christie’s in March.
These results highlight both the strengths and challenges of Hirst’s market. While the initial high sale underscores the strong demand and iconic status of the series, the frequent reappearances suggest potential oversupply, which can dilute exclusivity. For sellers, strategic timing and choosing the right auction platform are critical for maximising value. Buyers, meanwhile, may find opportunities as prices stabilise.
For a detailed guide on selling strategies and market insights, refer to our latest report: How to Sell Prints in the Current Market.
Jean-Michel
Basquiat
Market Performance & Auction Trends
Jean-Michel Basquiat's print market remains one of the most unique among blue chip artists, characterised by the limited availability of signed prints created during his lifetime and the increasing presence of posthumously released editions. Historically, his market has alternated between years of high sales volume with lower sales value and years of lower volume with higher value, reflecting the impact of his rare signed prints when they appear.
Sales Value and Volume Trends
In 2024, Basquiat’s print market diverged from its usual pattern. Total sales volume fell by 55%, with only 14 lots sold compared to 31 in 2023. Concurrently, sales value dropped sharply by 72%, reaching £642,004, a significant decline from £2.3 million in the previous year. The ASP also decreased by 39%, falling to £45,900 from £75,000 in 2023. Despite this decline, the 2024 ASP nearly matched the figure recorded in 2021, indicating sustained interest in Basquiat’s works even amid reduced market activity.
Factors Influencing the Market
The absence of Basquiat’s two rare and highly sought-after signed prints, Back Of The Neck (1983) and Untitled (1983), significantly impacted the market in 2024. These works, which typically sell for over £900,000, play a major role in driving sales dynamics during the years they appear, and their absence was sharply felt.
Collectors of Basquiat prints are likely exercising caution or waiting for opportunities to acquire rarer, high-value works rather than engaging with lower-tier or posthumous offerings. This trend mirrors the wider art market in 2024, where economic uncertainties have encouraged a focus on investment-grade pieces over broader acquisitions.
Market Trends and Insights
Impact of Rarity: The scarcity of Basquiat’s lifetime-signed prints ensures continued interest and strong results when they appear, but their absence significantly affects market performance.
Role of Posthumous Editions: Posthumous prints, which replicate Basquiat’s iconic paintings, continue to play a pivotal role in his market by providing accessibility to a wider range of collectors. However, their reduced presence in 2024 contributed to the overall decline in market performance. Additionally, collector preferences for specific editions can significantly influence market dynamics, further impacting sales trends.
Broader Market Influences: Economic uncertainties and cautious buyer sentiment may have further limited activity in Basquiat’s print market in 2024, as collectors strategically navigate their acquisitions.
While 2024 brought significant challenges for Basquiat’s print market, the value of his Anatomy prints has seen a notable rise - a trend likely to persist given Basquiat’s profound art historical significance. However, the continued success of his print market will remain heavily reliant on his exceedingly rare and high-value signed editions.
Anatomy Works & Rare Complete Sets
Basquiat’s print market in 2023 benefited from a significant influx of Anatomy prints and the sale of Back Of The Neck in December, which contributed heavily to the year totals. In contrast, 2024 followed Basquiat’s typical alternating market trend, with no trophy works and a much lower volume of Anatomy (1982) prints available. Only three Anatomy works entered the market in 2024, reflecting their scarcity and rising value. A shift in auction house strategy also played a role; while previous years grouped multiple works into single lots, 2024 offerings focused on single-lot presentations, leading to several new auction records for individual prints.
Notable Anatomy Sales in 2024:
Head Of The Mandible: Appeared for the first time since 2018 and sold for £26,687 at Christie’s in March.
Thyroid: Achieved £25,896 at Sotheby’s in October.
Vertical Median: Set a new auction record at Bonhams in March, selling for £22,057.
These prices, while more accessible than Basquiat’s posthumous prints, reflect the growing recognition of the Anatomy series. Individual works now command between £20,000 and £30,000 - a significant increase from their valuations of £4,000-£12,000 in the early 2000s.
Rare Complete Sets Achieve High Results:
A rare complete set of Basquiat’s signed prints, Untitled (Leonardo) (1983), came to auction at Phillips in April. This set of five screenprints, all with matching edition numbers, sold for £142,997, surpassing its estimated value. Unlike Anatomy works, which are often presented in grouped lots, complete collections with matching edition numbers, as Untitled (Leonardo) was offered, are rarely seen at auction, further emphasising their rarity and desirability.
Basquiat’s 2024 print market demonstrated a shift in dynamics, underscoring the importance of rarity, strategic lot presentations, and the enduring appeal of his limited-edition works.
Posthumous Prints
Posthumous Prints in Basquiat’s 2024 Market
Similar to Basquiat's signed prints, fewer posthumous prints entered the market in 2024. However, the highest-valued works maintained strong collector appeal. These pieces, known for their high-quality production and replication of Basquiat’s originals, remain an accessible option for collectors, with their value tied closely to the desirability of the original works they replicate.
Top Posthumous Print Sales in 2024:
Riddle Me This / A Panel of Experts / Piano Lesson / Flash in Naples (complete set), (2022): Produced by Pace prints and making its auction debut, this set sold for £203,515 at SBI Art Auctions, highlighting Basquiat's growing influence in the Asian market.
Cabeza (2005): Achieved its highest value of £88,900 at Phillips in June. Up 2% from 2023's highest value achieved at Sotheby’s in April.
Charles The First (2004):Set a new auction record, selling for £84,014 in March at Christie’s. Up 37% from 2023’s highest value achieved at Sotheby’s in September.
Riddle Me This Batman (2022):Debuted as an individual print, achieving £25,400 at Phillips in September.
Flexible (2016): Sold at Poly Auctions Hong King achieving £58,397 in November, down 73% from the highest value paid in 2023.
Rome Pays Off (2004): Offered at Christie’s in March and achieved £49,420, down 2% from the highest valued paid in 2023 at Sotheby’s.
Hollywood Africans In Front Of The Chinese Theatre With Footprints Of Movie Stars (2015): sold for £65,859 in April at Christie’s, down 13% from the highest value paid in 2023 at Sotheby’s.
The performance of Basquiat’s posthumous prints in 2024 presented mixed results. Despite these fluctuations, the demand for these prints underscores their appeal as an alternative for collectors looking to acquire Basquiat’s work at accessible price points. Their enduring significance lies in their ability to bring Basquiat’s iconic imagery to a broader audience while retaining strong ties to the legacy of his originals.
Market Performance & Auction Trends
Banksy’s print market in 2024 experienced a significant downturn in both sales volume and value, reflecting broader market corrections and shifting collector behaviours. While the decline was notable, it suggests a cooling from the hyperactivity seen in prior years rather than diminished interest in Banksy’s work. Banksy’s print market in 2024 remains at a pivotal juncture, balancing opportunities for new collectors with challenges in maintaining momentum among high-end buyers. As the market transitions toward a more stabilised phase, strategic curation and timing will be key in shaping its future trajectory.
Sales Value and Volume Trends
In 2024, Banksy’s total sales value dropped by 54%, totalling £5.7 million compared to £12.3 million in 2023. Sales volume also declined, albeit less drastically, falling by 2% to 236 lots sold from 240 in the previous year. These figures underscore a continued market cooldown following the pandemic-era surge, which was marked by frequent flipping of Banksy’s prints.
ASP Performance
The ASP for Banksy’s prints fell sharply in 2024, declining by 53% to £24,100 from £51,200 in 2023. This drop reflects a pivot toward lower-value prints and a reduced supply of high-value pieces entering public auctions. Collectors may be holding onto trophy works, anticipating improved market conditions, or opting for private sales over public auctions.
Market Trends and Insights
Private Sales on the Rise: The decline in auction performance could point to an increasing preference for private transactions, where significant works bypass public sales. This suggests that while public auction activity has slowed, Banksy’s works continue to perform strongly in discreet, high-value private channels.
Opportunities for New Collectors: The market slowdown presents opportunities for new and mid-tier collectors to acquire blue chip works at more accessible price points. This could help broaden Banksy’s collector base, fostering sustained interest in his print market.
Challenges for Elite Buyers: On the other hand, the reduction in high-value sales and overall market activity might discourage elite buyers, particularly if the market continues to face perceptions of oversaturation.
Iconic Print Collections
Girl With Balloon: Timeless And Iconic
Banksy’s Girl With Balloon (2004) remains a cornerstone of his print market, celebrated for its universal appeal and cultural significance. Despite economic challenges, this timeless work demonstrated resilience in 2024, with its value stabilising after prior declines and showing renewed growth. While the peak auction records of £474,800 (signed) and £333,276 (unsigned) may remain unmatched, the piece’s enduring appeal lies in Banksy’s blue chip status, globally recognised imagery, and its reputation as a strong investment during uncertain times.
In 2024, Girl With Balloon appeared at auction 11 times, selling nine of those. The highest result came from a sale at Christie’s in March, where a signed edition fetched £239,400, marking the top sale of Banksy’s print market in 2024. Even more impressive, that sale was trumped, also with a signed edition achieving £285,831 at a New Zealand auction in the same month - an increase from the £215,900 high for the same work in 2023, underscoring the global demand and influence of this iconic piece.
Choose Your Weapon: Rare Colourways Come To Auction
The Choose Your Weapon (2010) collection is another standout in Banksy’s print market, renowned for its limited editions and the rarity of certain colourways. These prints continue to captivate collectors due to their unique colour variations, some of which have rarely, if ever, been publicly offered.
Key Sales in 2024:
Choose Your Weapon (sky blue): Made its auction debut in November, achieving an impressive £76,430.
Choose Your Weapon (light orange): Sold for £61,416 at SBI Art Auctions in its second auction appearance, delivering a strong result despite falling slightly below its 2023 Christie’s sale.
Helen
Frankenthaler
Market Performance & Auction Trends
Helen Frankenthaler’s print market in 2024 demonstrated robust growth, with increased sales value and heightened demand despite a reduction in sales volume. This performance reflects a more mature and discerning collector base, where the scarcity of available works has driven prices higher, underscoring sustained interest in Frankenthaler’s influential contributions to Abstract Expressionism and Colour Field painting through the print medium. Her current market performance highlights the resilience and continued growth of Frankenthaler’s portfolio, emphasising the rising demand for her work. This trajectory points to strong potential for future growth, fuelled by the rarity and historical importance of her works.
Sales Value and Volume Trends
In 2024, Frankenthaler’s total sales value reached £652,777, a 9% increase from the previous year’s £598,248. However, the number of lots sold declined from 70 in 2023 to 42 in 2024, representing a 40% decrease in sales volume. This divergence underscores a focused demand for higher-quality works, as collectors demonstrated a willingness to pay more for fewer pieces. The scarcity of available works likely contributed to the rising prices, affirming Frankenthaler’s enduring appeal and market strength.
ASP Performance
The ASP for Frankenthaler’s prints surged in 2024, reaching £15,500 - nearly double the ASP of £8,500 recorded in 2023. This significant increase reflects a market that is prioritising investment-grade works and iconic prints, elevating the overall market perception of Frankenthaler’s portfolio. The rise in ASP aligns with broader trends of growing recognition for female artists and the increasing confidence in her work’s long-term value.
Market Trends and Insights
Selective Demand: The reduction in sales volume coupled with rising sales value and ASP suggests a discerning collector base focusing on acquiring premium works. This trend demonstrates confidence in Frankenthaler’s market and underscores her growing importance within the blue chip print sector.
Scarcity Drives Value: With fewer works available in the market, scarcity has played a pivotal role in driving up the value of individual pieces. This aligns with a broader art market trend where collectors increasingly prioritise rarity and significance.
Strength in Historical Context: Frankenthaler’s work holds a unique position as a pioneer of Abstract Expressionism and Colour Field painting, areas historically dominated by male artists. Her consistent performance in 2024 reaffirms her legacy and relevance among contemporary collectors.
Record-Breaking Auction Results
Frankenthaler’s Record Sales In 2024
Despite a decline in overall sales volume, Helen Frankenthaler’s print market demonstrated remarkable strength in 2024 by setting multiple auction records. 2024 results reflect growing recognition of her work and the increasing desirability of her large-scale woodcut prints, which showcase her mastery of colour and technique.
Notable Sales:
Madame Butterfly (AP) (2000): Achieved £107,554 at Sotheby’s in November, setting an auction record and becoming the highest-selling print in Frankenthaler’s market.
Book Of Clouds (2007): Sold for £165,065 in its first successful auction appearance since its debut in 2021, establishing another record.
Grey Fireworks (2000): A printer’s proof (PP) sold for £48,446 at Rago in October, nearly doubling its 2023 sale price.
Flirt (2003): Set a new record, selling for £23,519 at Phillips in October.
West Wind (1997): Achieved £23,417 at Christie’s in July, reflecting sustained demand for Frankenthaler’s smaller-scale works.
Frankenthaler’s 2024 auction performance highlights a growing appreciation for her work. While her woodcut prints currently command the highest values, the record prices achieved by her screenprints and lithographs position her as a key artist to watch in 2025. This success underscores her enduring influence and reinforces collector confidence in the long-term value of her art.
Ed
Ruscha
Market Performance & Auction Trends
In 2024, Ed Ruscha's print market demonstrated resilience and sustained demand, solidifying his position as one of the most influential figures in contemporary printmaking. Despite broader market uncertainties, Ruscha's works maintained strong collector appeal, with notable auction records and strategic positioning at major sales driving momentum throughout the year.
Sales Value and Volume Trends
Ruscha's print market in 2024 displayed consistent strength and heightened activity, with a record sales volume of 127 works transacted - marking the highest annual volume over the past six years. While overall sales value softened to £1.2 million, reflecting a shift towards more moderately priced works, the demand remained robust.
The year saw standout results in marquee auctions, with iconic prints from Ruscha's Mountain series achieving record prices. This sustained interest underscores Ruscha's unique ability to appeal to both seasoned collectors and emerging buyers, reinforcing his global market reach.
ASP Performance
The ASP for Ruscha's prints in 2024 settled at £9,700, reflecting a decrease from the previous year £13,300. This decline, while notable, aligns with the increased transaction volume and suggests a diversification of buyer interest into more accessible segments of Ruscha's market. High-value works, including rare Colour Trial Proofs (CTPs) and earlier editions, continued to drive competitive bidding and set benchmarks, highlighting the desirability of Ruscha's work across various decades in his career.
Market Trends and Insights
Rising Demand for Unique Proofs: Unique Colour Trial Proofs (CTPs) gained significant traction in 2024, with several achieving record-breaking results at auction. This trend indicates a growing preference for rare and distinct works within Ruscha's print market.
Strategic Auction Moments: Auction houses capitalised on Ruscha's legacy with well-timed consignments, particularly in Q2 and Q4. Major sales at Phillips, Christie's, and Sotheby's showcased his versatility across thematic series, from word-based compositions to his evocative mountain landscapes.
Global Market Resilience: Despite economic headwinds, Ruscha's works continued to perform strongly across both U.S. and European markets, underscoring his universal appeal and enduring relevance in the Contemporary art landscape.
The performance of Ruscha's print market in 2024 reinforces his status as a cornerstone of the blue-chip print sector. With a balance of high-profile auction results, growing demand for unique works, and steady transactional activity, his legacy remains firmly embedded in the art market's foundation.
Record Sales & Iconic Themes
Ruscha's 2024 Standout Auction Results
Ruscha’s print market showcased diversity and strength in 2024, with top-performing works spanning multiple collections and themes. Traditionally dominated by his Gas Station and Hollywood prints, 2024 demonstrated varied success across a range of pieces, contributing to the overall robustness of his market.
Among the standout results from Ruscha's print market in 2024 were:
The End (1998–2016): A complete set of four holograms in colour, which achieved the highest print value of the year, selling for an impressive £107,795 at Phillips in October.
Hollywood (1968): One of Ruscha’s most iconic themes, this print retained strong collector interest throughout the year. The highest-valued print sold for £92,489 at Sotheby’s in October.
That Is Right (1989): A complete set of 12 prints, which set a new auction record by realising £95,527 in November.
Made In California (1971): Another Hollywood-themed work and rare to the market, this print appeared multiple times in 2024, achieving £68,052 at Abell in March. While commendable, this result was slightly below its auction record set in 2022.
Mysteries (2021): A trending work in 2024, this piece set consecutive records throughout the year, culminating in a new auction high of £47,938 in September.
Sea Of Desire (1983): Achieved a record-breaking £28,683 at Sotheby’s in April.
This varied performance underscores Ruscha’s enduring appeal and versatility, with strong results across both his classic themes and rarer works. The diversity of his portfolio has been a key factor in driving the continued success of Ruscha’s market in 2024, appealing to collectors across a range of tastes and price points.
Mountain & World Series Prints
Ruscha's Mountain Series Trend In 2024 Auctions
Ruscha's Mountain series holds significant cultural and artistic value, blending striking alpine imagery with bold, enigmatic text to evoke profound emotional and conceptual responses. In 2024, works from this earlier series experienced a resurgence at auction, emerging after minimal prior market visibility. Unique CTPs from the series, apart from the regular edition, not only captured new collector attention but also set multiple auction records, underscoring the increasing demand for these rare and visually compelling pieces.
Wall Rocket (2013): Achieved an auction record of £56,169 in April, underscoring its appeal as a standout example of Ruscha’s ability to combine conceptual and visual elements.
History Kids (2013): Set a new record at £40,850, reflecting collector demand for Ruscha’s later works.
Sponge Puddle (2015): Reached a record-breaking £37,783 at Phi Auctions in the United States, further highlighting the growing global interest in this series.
Ruscha's World Series Prints Set New Records
Similarly, the World Series collection exemplifies Ruscha’s Minimalist, yet impactful approach. Featuring clean, understated designs and universal themes. Its simplicity belies its conceptual depth, with work's encouraging viewers to contemplate broad, universal ideas distilled into concise and powerful imagery. As collectors increasingly appreciate Ruscha’s ability to evoke profound meaning through minimalist aesthetics, his prints begin to grow in significance and value as rare works begin to reappear on the market.
Girls (1982): Selling for an impressive £21,361 at Christie’s in October, this work set a new auction record, more than doubling its previous benchmark from its last appearance in 2022.
The art market experienced inevitable shifts in 2024, though these changes shouldn’t come as a surprise. At the top end, the market continued to contract. Trophy lots were fewer and auction houses had to work harder to secure third-party guarantors. Estimates and pricing were adjusted as auction houses attempted to strike a balance between satisfying sellers and maintaining the perception of a market with strong demand.
However, the broader reality is that the art market still carries echoes of the COVID-19 pandemic years, which saw record-breaking sales of originals and monumental private collections. Matching that level of success was always going to be challenging. As a result, the years that followed have shown consecutive declines in the market.
Among the most notable events in 2024 was Sotheby’s announcement of major staff layoffs. While significant, it seemed reflective of a longer-term recalibration - Sotheby’s has been managing its financial situation with a $700 million (USD) loan securitisation and a $1 billion (USD) investment from Abu Dhabi. Christie’s faced its own challenges, making headlines after a cyberattack in May, and the cancellation of its June marquee auctions followed. Meanwhile, major global galleries announced closures throughout the year.
On the fair circuit, Art Basel Paris continued to gain ground, posing an increasingly competitive challenge to Frieze. The competitive pressures were underscored by the recent announcement that Frieze itself is up for sale. Collectively, these events underscore the pressures faced by traditional and conventional methods of conducting art transactions.
Yet, despite this narrative of decline, the art world has seen encouraging innovation and adaptability. The prints and editions market, for example, has shown notable growth, attracting sustained interest and proving that there is a shift toward different mediums and mid-tier-priced works. Blue chip artists’ prints are commanding prices that rival originals, reflecting a broader evolution in collector preferences.
A generational shift is also driving the market. Younger collectors, influenced by social media and digital engagement, are entering the space with new buying habits. This trend, which extends beyond the art world into the broader economic, social, and political landscape, signals an ongoing shift toward digital technologies and online platforms.
So, while the numbers tell a story of decline, they only capture part of the picture. Beneath the surface, significant shifts are underway. The art market may have faced a tough year, but major transactions - both in prints and originals - were still made. Far from being in a slump, the market is adapting and evolving. With these transformations in motion, there’s much to look forward to in 2025.
The essential collectors' guide to navigating the print market landscape for 2025 - offering actionable insights, expert analysis, and a clear perspective on where the most promising opportunities lie.