An expressive portrait of a woman holding a baby. Both are looking directly at the viewer. The woman wears a dark green dress and is sat on a chair. Behind them, a door is open, revealing a room with a table and vase. The painting style is bold, with a shallow range of shadows and an earthy palette.
Alice Neel
14 works
Key Takeaways
Alice Neel's print market has seen significant growth in recent years, with individual prints regularly achieving between £5,000 and £10,000 at auction. Increased interest in figurative art and female artists, as well as multiple Alice Neel retrospectives in US galleries, have led to a renewed appreciation of her craft. Securing the highest value for your print, however, relies on strategic market assessment, authentication with a Neel specialist, and examination of your print’s quality and condition.
Alice Neel was a pioneering American artist whose unflinching portraits captured the essence of her subjects with remarkable psychological depth. Born in 1900 in Pennsylvania, Neel emerged as a significant figure in 20th century art. Her work, predominantly focused on portraiture, is characterised by its raw emotional honesty and distinctive style that bridged realism and expressionism. This guide will assist those looking to navigate the increasingly competitive market for Neel's prints, providing insights into valuation, authentication, and optimal selling strategies.
Neel's artistic vision was shaped by her experiences as a female artist in a male-dominated field, her political beliefs, and her keen observation of the human condition. She drew inspiration from diverse sources, including her own life experiences, the people she encountered in New York City's vibrant neighbourhoods, and the social and political movements of her time. Neel's portraits often feature friends, family, neighbours, and notable cultural figures, each rendered with a unique blend of empathy and scrutiny. Her work, including her prints, has been collected by major institutions worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., and the Tate Modern in London.
How Much do Alice Neel Prints Sell For?
The market for Alice Neel's prints has seen rapid growth in recent years; initially after her death in 1984, and then again more recently after the subsequent reassessment of her contributions to 20th-century art. Prices can vary widely based on factors such as the print's subject matter, edition size, and condition. Neel's most sought-after prints tend to be those that showcase her distinctive portraiture style and often depict distinct characters or intimate family scenes.
Neel's prints typically range from £5,000 to £20,000, depending on rarity and condition. For example, a screenprint of Men From Rutgers (1980) sold for £8,932 at Leland Little in 2024, while a lithography of the same image, under the name Geoffrey Hendricks & Brian (1980), sold for £8,823 at Palm Beach Modern Auctions in 2023. Notably, the 2023 sale was nine times its high estimate. These sales demonstrate the strong market interest in Neel's printmaking output, and its relative growth in recent years. In fact, all of the top 30 print sales of Neel’s work have been in the last five years.
Other popular prints include Nancy And Olivia (Mother And Child) (1982) and Bather With Red Hat (1982), which sold in 2022 for £7,753 and £6,981 respectively, more than doubling their high estimates on both occasions. The popularity of these prints, which have appeared multiple times at auction in the past five years, comes from how well they capture the essence of Neel’s style, with bright, contrasting colours, expressive faces, and poses that tell a story.
Neel often produced her prints in editions of 50 to 100, with some rarer examples in even smaller numbers. However, auction records have proven that prints in editions as large as 175 perform just as well at auction.
How Do You Authenticate an Alice Neel Print?
Establishing the authenticity of your Neel print involves examining the print itself to ensure it aligns with the colour, quality, and material expectations of her work, and tracing the provenance. Consulting an expert on Neel’s work can help you do both of these things.
Neel worked with various printmaking methods, including lithography and etching, often in collaboration with print studios. The quality of the impression, the characteristics of the paper, and any printer's marks or chop marks can provide valuable information about the print's authenticity.
Provenance research is crucial in establishing authenticity. A documented history of ownership, exhibition records, and inclusion in reputable publications can significantly bolster authenticity claims. The Estate of Alice Neel, managed by the David Zwirner Gallery, can be a valuable resource in the authentication process for prints.
There is not yet a definitive catalogue raisonné for Alice Neel’s work, though many texts have been written about her that feature much of her work. As such, owners of Neel prints can consult exhibition catalogues from major retrospectives, such as Alice Neel: People Come First (Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2021) and Alice Neel: Feels Like Home (Orange County Museum of Art, 2023). These publications often include detailed analyses of Neel's printmaking technique and style, as well as comprehensive lists of exhibited works.
Edition and Signature
Neel generally signed and numbered each print edition in pencil. Her print editions were often small, typically ranging from 50 to 100, with some artist's proofs. The edition number, usually found in the lower left corner, should be consistent with known information about the specific print run, and written as a fraction. Neel's signature, often written as ‘NEEL,’ is typically located in the lower right corner, accompanied by a date, written as “ ‘80 ”. Though it may show slight variations over time, Neel generally maintained a consistent style throughout her printmaking career.
Browse Alice Neel 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 Alice Neel Print Been Kept in Good Condition?
Prints in excellent condition will always be valued higher among collectors than those that have sustained significant damage. Due to the age of some of Neel’s earlier prints, preventing all signs of wear and tear can be almost impossible. When assessing your Neel print, consider the paper condition, looking for any signs of foxing, acid burn, or water damage. The clarity of the printed image is particularly important in Neel's work, as her bold use of line and subtle tonal variations were defining characteristics of her printmaking style. Any fading, discolouration, or loss of detail can detract from the print's impact and value. You should also check for any tears, creases, or surface imperfections in the paper that may suggest history of rough handling. Examine the margins of the print - well-preserved margins can contribute positively to the print's value and protect the print itself in the long term.
Proper storage and conscientious display are essential for maintaining the condition of your print. Prints should be kept in stable environmental conditions, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity. If framed, UV-protective glass and acid-free materials are recommended. For prints not on display, storage in acid-free portfolios or archival mounts is advisable.
Some ageing or patina can be acceptable and even desirable in Neel's prints, particularly for her earlier editions. However, any signs of neglect or improper handling can significantly impact value. For a thorough assessment, consider consulting a conservator specialising in 20th century works on paper. They can provide a detailed condition report and advise on any necessary conservation measures, but remember that any restoration work should be approached with caution and carried out by qualified professionals. Overzealous or improper restoration can negatively affect the authenticity and value of the print. For advice on how to get started with conservation or condition assessment of your Alice Neel print, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My Alice Neel Print?
The art print market is influenced by a number of things. Firstly, it tends to run cyclically throughout the year, with more active periods around spring and autumn. For individual artists like Neel, it will also be driven by relevant exhibitions, events, and anniversaries. Patterns of high-value sales of Neel prints, as we have seen in the last five years, will also drive up interest - look for sales of prints similar to yours, as this can suggest there is high demand for Neel’s work. Balancing these factors will help you determine the best time to sell.
The steady growth seen in the market for Neel’s prints in the past decade can be, in part, attributed to the number of retrospectives being held to showcase her work. The 2021 exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art sparked renewed interest in her work, leading to increased demand for her prints in subsequent auctions in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, the broader art world's increased focus on women artists and figurative art has contributed to the rising appreciation of Neel's printmaking oeuvre.
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 Alice Neel Print?
Selling an Alice Neel Via a Broker
Art brokers who specialise in post-war and contemporary American prints can offer a more personalised approach to selling an Alice Neel print. These specialists often have well-established networks of print collectors and galleries, allowing them to facilitate private sales with a level of discretion that public auctions typically don't offer. Working with a broker can result in a quicker sale compared to the often lengthy auction process, and they can provide tailored advice throughout the transaction. This personalised service can be particularly valuable for Neel's prints, given the emotional and often politically charged nature of her portraiture. Brokers typically charge fees ranging from 10% to 20% of the sale price. While this might seem substantial, the individualised attention and potential for a smoother, more discreet sale process can justify the cost for many sellers. Additionally, brokers may have insights into current market trends and collector preferences that can help in positioning your Neel print effectively. When choosing a broker, look for those with a proven track record in handling Neel's prints or similar artists from her era. Their expertise in the specific market for mid-20th century American figurative prints can be invaluable in achieving the best possible outcome for your sale.
Selling an Alice Neel Via Auction House
Prestigious auction houses like Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips regularly feature Alice Neel's prints in their contemporary and post-war art sales. These institutions offer sellers a global platform with extensive marketing reach, potentially attracting serious print collectors worldwide. The competitive atmosphere of a live auction can be particularly advantageous for an artist like Neel, whose critical acclaim and market value have risen significantly in recent years. Auction houses provide professional cataloguing, condition reports, and often generate pre-sale buzz through viewings and promotional events. This exposure can be especially beneficial for important Neel prints, potentially driving prices higher through competitive bidding. However, this route comes with considerations. Sellers should be prepared for substantial fees, typically around 25% of the hammer price for premium lots. There's also the inherent unpredictability of auctions; while your print might exceed expectations, there's also a risk of it failing to meet its reserve price. Additionally, you'll have limited control over the sale's timing and presentation. For rare or particularly significant Neel prints, such as early editions or those depicting notable subjects, the high-profile nature of auction houses can be an effective method of reaching serious collectors. However, it's crucial to thoroughly understand the consignment terms and potential outcomes before proceeding.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling an Alice Neel Via Online Marketplace
Online art marketplaces have grown in popularity, offering a platform for sellers to reach a global audience of print collectors and enthusiasts. These platforms can provide a quicker route to sale and often charge lower fees compared to traditional auction houses or galleries. For Alice Neel's prints, online marketplaces can offer exposure to a wide range of potential buyers. The ability to control the listing details and pricing can be appealing to some sellers, and the digital format allows for detailed images and provenance information to be easily shared. However, for high-value Neel prints, these platforms come with significant considerations. There's a risk of undervaluing the work due to platform limitations, and the lack of expert curation can make it challenging for exceptional pieces to stand out. Authentication and condition assessment can also be more complex in an online environment. If considering this route for a Neel print, especially those of significant value, opt for specialised fine art platforms that have robust authentication processes and a track record of handling notable 20th-century American prints. These platforms often have a more curated approach and can provide a balance between the reach of online sales and the expertise of traditional art market channels.
Why Sell Your Alice Neel 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.
0% Seller's Fees, 100% of the Time
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.
Alice Neel 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.
Emerging art tech tools are vital in navigating the current, and evolving, digital art market landscape. For instance, by adding Alice Neel prints from our website to the MyPortfolio dashboard, users gain insight into unique sale opportunities and observe market performance and fluctuations as they happen, streamlining the sales process effortlessly. Our pioneering technology has revolutionised art portfolio management, making it more accessible and equipping users with data-driven insights for informed decisions. MyArtBroker harnesses cutting-edge technology driven by data, coupled with a team of industry experts, to deliver an exceptional experience. Our professionals work closely with clients, utilising the MyPortfolio dashboard, to provide personalised guidance for creating a profitable art collection. By merging technology and expertise, we are committed to offering unparalleled curation and customer service.
Alice Neel
14 works
