A Seller’s Guide to Alberto Giacometti
Le Couple © Alberto Giacometti 1951
Alberto Giacometti
17 works
Key Takeaways
Prints by Alberto Giacometti typically achieve between £5,000 and £10,000, with gradual increase year-on-year. His most iconic lithographs and etchings, particularly those featuring his distinctive elongated figures, can command even higher prices. In 2010, a complete portfolio of Giacometti's Vivantes Cendres, Innommées (1957-58) series sold for over £140,000 at auction. Authentication of Giacometti's prints requires meticulous examination of paper quality, printing technique, and provenance, with reference to the catalogue raisonné compiled by Herbert C. Lust. Given Giacometti's unique style and varied printing methods, condition assessment is crucial to determining a print's value. Strategic timing, such as selling during major retrospectives or when interest in 20th century modernist art surges, can optimise returns for sellers.
The elongated, emaciated figures of Alberto Giacometti capture the essence of human existence in the post-war era. Swiss in origin, Giacometti is primarily known for his sculptures, but his paintings and prints form an integral part of his artistic output, offering collectors a more accessible entry point into his works. This guide aims to navigate the market for Giacometti's prints, providing insights into valuation, authentication, and effective selling strategies for those looking to part with their pieces.
Giacometti's artistic vision was profoundly shaped by his experiences during and after World War II, reflecting themes of isolation, vulnerability, and the human condition. His printmaking practice, which encompassed lithography and etching, often featured portraits, standing figures, and interior scenes that echoed the stark, existential quality of his sculptures. Throughout his career, Giacometti collaborated with several printmaking studios and publishers, including Atelier Mourlot and Maeght in Paris, resulting in some of his most sought-after print series, such as Rue D’Alesia (1954).
How Much Do Alberto Giacometti Prints Sell For?
Engravings, etchings, and lithographs by Giacometti are highly sought-after by collectors of significant 20th century art. The market remains steady, with Giacometti’s reputation bolstering auction sales for the past few decades. Giacometti prints will regularly sell for upwards of £10,000, with many rare prints and print portfolios selling for upwards of £20,000.
The highest value achieved by a portfolio of Giacometti prints was £144,576. Vivantes Cendres, Innommées (1957-58) sold for almost twice its estimate in 2017. Its popularity can, in part, be put down to the small edition size - this portfolio exists in an edition of only six. Buste D’Homme (1964) achieved the highest price for an individual Giacometti print in 2019, selling for £73,910 in New York.
Other sought-after print series include Paris Sans Fin (1969), which regularly exceeds estimates at auctions, and Les Pieds Dans Le Plat (1933), an example of Giacometti’s earlier copper engravings.
Prints featuring Giacometti's iconic elongated figures, particularly those that closely resemble his sculptural works, are especially prized by collectors - for instance, lithographs depicting standing figures or portraits in Giacometti's distinctive style and etchings that showcase his draughtsmanship. Other popular and well-recognised images include Giacometti’s sketches of his studio, such as L’Atelier (1955) and Dans L’Atelier (1965). Prints such as Le Couple (1951) and Homme Debout (1957) are prime examples of Giacometti’s elongated figurative style.
How Do You Authenticate An Alberto Giacometti Print?
One of the first steps in authenticating your Giacometti print is checking that the style and production of the print matches the rest of the edition and the artist’s practices at the time. An appraiser who specialises in Giacometti or Swiss 20th century art will be able to offer an expert opinion.
Provenance, however, is the most important part of authentication. Any documentation tracing the print's history - its past owners, exhibitions, and past sales - can significantly bolster the case for authenticity. Certificates of authenticity from reputable sources, such as the Fondation Giacometti in Paris, are particularly valuable in establishing legitimacy.
The definitive reference for authenticating Giacometti's prints is the catalogue raisonné compiled by Herbert C. Lust, which documents the artist's complete printed oeuvre. This comprehensive catalogue provides detailed information on each print, including its creation date, edition size, and variations. Cross-referencing a print with this catalogue is an essential step in the authentication process. Other useful sources include Giacometti’s chosen publishing houses, including the Maeght Archives.
Giacometti worked with several printing studios throughout his career, most notably with Maeght and Atelier Mourlot in Paris. Understanding the characteristics of prints produced by different studios, including their specific techniques and qualities, can provide additional context for authentication; for example, each will have an inkstamp, watermark, or embossed stamp that was applied to every print they produced.
Edition and Signature
Giacometti's approach to signing and numbering his prints varied, adding another layer of complexity to the authentication process. Generally, his signature appears as his full name in cursive, in pencil on the lower right of the print. However, it's important to note that not all genuine Giacometti prints bear his signature, particularly those produced as part of books or portfolios.
Edition numbers, when present, are typically found on the lower left of the print, written as a fraction (e.g., 23/50). Giacometti's print editions varied in size, with many limited to as few as six or 15 impressions, while others were produced in larger numbers. Artist's proofs, often marked as “Épreuve d'artiste,” are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity.
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Has Your Alberto Giacometti Print Been Kept In Good Condition?
Well-preserved prints tend to receive higher sales value estimates. Getting the condition of your Giacometti print assessed before you come to sell is therefore essential to setting up the best foundation for your sale. The age of some of Giacometti’s earlier prints means that some wear and tear is acceptable, and even expected, but certain measures can be taken to minimise any potential damage.
To first establish the condition of your print, examine the paper for any signs of damage or ageing. By working with established and renowned printing houses, Giacometti ensured that the papers and inks used were high-quality and therefore generally resistant to deterioration. However, improper storage or exposure to extremes in temperature or humidity can lead to fading, discolouration, foxing (brown spots caused by oxidation), damage caused by insects, or acid burn, particularly around the edges. Any tears, creases, mould, or water damage can significantly impact the print's value.
Giacometti's printmaking technique often involved deep etching or heavy ink application, resulting in a distinctive tactile quality to the print's surface. Check for any surface imperfections such as scratches, scuffs, or abrasions, which can be particularly noticeable across Giacometti’s signature sharp sketchy lines. For lithographs, which make up a significant portion of Giacometti's print output, pay attention to the clarity of the image and the quality of the impression.
Proper storage and display are essential for maintaining a Giacometti print in good condition. Ideally, prints should be kept in acid-free environments, 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. Handling should be minimal and done with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils or dirt to the paper.
For a thorough assessment, consider consulting a paper conservator specialising in 20th century prints. They can provide a detailed condition report and advise on any necessary conservation measures - although, minor imperfections may be less detrimental to the print’s value than significant restoration or alterations. Professional conservation, if needed, should be undertaken with great care to preserve the integrity of the print. For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Alberto Giacometti print, contact MyArtBroker.
When Is The Best Time To Sell My Alberto Giacometti Print?
Selling your Giacometti print at the optimal time requires a balance of favourable art market growth, an increase in interested Giacometti collectors, and the emergence of helpful trends relating specifically to Giacometti and the economic climate more broadly. Things to consider include new scholarship, exhibitions and retrospectives, and record sales of the artist’s sculptural or painted works. Overall, the value of Giacometti’s work has remained steady in recent years.
Major retrospectives or exhibitions focusing on Giacometti's work often generate increased interest and media coverage, potentially driving up demand and prices for his prints. For example, the comprehensive retrospective at the Tate Modern in 2017 was the first of its kind in the UK in over 20 years, making it the subject of huge interest in the art community. Exhibitions at galleries with similar prestige, such as the Giacometti retrospective at the Guggenheim in 2018, will always have a positive impact. The two years following these two exhibitions saw four of the top 10 Giacometti print sales at auction, including the record sale of Vivantes Cendres, Innommées (1957-58) in June 2017, proving that keeping abreast of upcoming exhibitions or publications can help in timing your sale to coincide with periods of heightened public interest.
Anniversary years related to significant moments in Giacometti's career or in the broader context of 20th century art can also be good selling moments. For instance, the 50th anniversary of Giacometti's death in 2016 saw increased attention on his work across all mediums, including prints.
It's also advisable to monitor broader trends in the art market, particularly those related to mid-20th century modernist art or post-war European artists. Surges of interest in these areas can create a favourable environment for selling Giacometti's prints. Additionally, any new scholarly works or discoveries related to Giacometti's printmaking practice could refocus attention on this aspect of his work and potentially impact market values.
Pay attention to sales results and market reports from major auction houses and galleries specialising in 20th-century art. These can provide insights into which periods or series of Giacometti's work are currently in highest demand. For instance, if there's a surge of interest in Giacometti's portraits or his 'Paris sans fin' series, it might be an opportune time to sell works from these collections.
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.
Ways to Sell with MyArtBroker
At MyArtBroker, our specialists provide a free market valuation for your artwork, offering a level of transparency unmatched in today’s market. In addition to our valuations, through our online Trading Floor, you can access real-time insights into works by the artist you’re looking to sell, including pieces that are most in demand, wanted, or currently for sale: allowing sellers to trust the valuation that they are provided.
Additionally, the MyPortfolio collection management service grants you free access to our comprehensive print market database. This resource allows you to review auction histories for the specific work you’re looking to sell, including hammer prices, values paid, and seller returns. In a fluctuating market, this historical data is invaluable - and often comes at a cost elsewhere - offering insights into past and current values to further inform decisions based on market timing and conditions. In addition to our specialists guidance, you have concrete data.
Our approach is tailored to align with the unique attributes of each artwork, and offer optimal results:
How a Private Sale Works
Unlike peer-to-peer platforms, which lack specialised expertise, authenticity guarantees, and legal infrastructure for high-value sales, MyArtBroker operates through private sales ensuring a secure and seamless transaction process. We charge sellers 0% to sell, and take a small commission from our buyers, absorbing essential aspects including insurance, shipping, and marketing - at no extra cost to the seller. There is no magic to it, we’re a lean specialised business with less overheads than traditional models meaning we can do better for our clients.
Our revenue is derived from buyer commissions only, which are individually negotiated upon offer, and we aim to give the client the best return in the market place. By focusing on high-value artworks in excess of £10,000, we provide specialised care and expertise, ensuring each piece receives the attention it deserves, while simultaneously maximising returns with our clients. For works that fall below this threshold speak to the team about a recommendation, we offer market advisory free of charge. Our goal at MyArtBroker is to offer a seamless solution, setting us apart in the art market.
Advisory and Recommendations
In cases for artists and artworks, where our existing network of collectors isn’t the best fit due to value, medium or condition we collaborate with reputable partners to facilitate its sale. Carefully tailoring your artwork to the right party. This tailored approach is especially important as it considers the unique attributes of each artwork, providing sellers with the best possible outcome in today’s shifting art market. You can discuss this approach with us without charge as part of our advisory service.
Such recommendations are on a case-by-case basis, and ensures broader exposure and takes advantage of our knowledge of where a work will do best.
Alberto Giacometti Collection Management with MyPortfolio
In addition to our live trading floor, MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio serves as a collection management system, empowering collectors to curate and oversee their prints and editions collection. This feature grants users access to our print market database, uniquely tied to our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX. This algorithm scans and analyses both public auction and private sales data to determine real time valuations of individual print works, factoring in various aspects such as condition, colour, and other factors affecting value.
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