A Seller's Guide to Max Ernst

Etching, lithography, aquatint, woodcut, drypoint - Ernst became a master of printmaking over the course of his lifetime. His prints are recognisable not just because of their fantastical subject matter, but also their fine and precise detail.

Some of Ernst’s most sought-after and successful prints at auction are the pieces he created alongside his friend Paul Éluard, a French poet. Both Surrealists, Ernst produced a series of collages and etchings to accompany Éluard’s poetry. Ernst’s highest selling print to date is the Éluard Paul; Chanson Complète: Frontispiece, which sold at auction in Sotheby’s, London, in 1999 for £64,000 - over three times its high estimate. Besides this exception, it is Ernst’s woodcuts that tend to reach the highest values at auction, regularly exceeding their estimates.

Ernst developed two new innovative artistic techniques, and was a key figure in the development of a third, over the course of his career, which heavily influenced the textures and detail featured in his prints. Frottage is a method of rubbing pencil or crayon over objects placed beneath the paper to transfer intricate patterns. Grattage is a method of scraping away layers of paint to reveal hidden forms. Decalcomania (decal) is a method of pressing paint between surfaces and pulling them apart to reveal a pattern. The best examples of Ernst’s frottage technique are his Histoire Naturelle (1926) series of lithographs, which, as relatively small plates, regularly sell for over £1,500.

Authentication is essential to establishing the true value of a Max Ernst print. Without proper provenance and authentication, prints can be significantly limited in their resale value. Verified documents such as Certificates of Authenticity, gallery receipts, and exhibition catalogues can help establish the print's history and legitimacy. Ernst’s works are documented in catalogues raisonnés, such as Max Ernst: Oeuvre-Katalog der Graphik by Werner Spies. These resources provide comprehensive records of Ernst's prints, including photographs, detailed descriptions, and exhibition histories, which are essential for authentication​.

Edition and Signature

Ernst’s prints are typically signed and numbered, often featuring a small pencilled signature in the bottom left corner and a pencilled edition number in the bottom right - or vice versa. However, his signature can vary, making it a critical factor in the authentication process. Examining the style and placement of the signature is important, as inconsistencies can indicate a forgery. Authentic prints should have clear and consistent numbering that matches the documentation in the catalogue raisonné​. Many of Ernst’s prints were produced in collaboration with renowned publishers who often used distinctive blindstamps or marks. For example, prints produced by Éditions Cahiers d'Art or by Aimé Maeght’s Atelier will have specific stamps that can aid in authentication. These marks not only serve as proof of authenticity but also add to the print's historical value​.

Given the complexities of Ernst’s techniques and the potential for forgeries, consulting with a professional who specialises in his work is always recommended. These experts can provide a detailed analysis of the print, comparing it to known works and verifying its authenticity based on signature, technique, and provenance​.

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Ernst’s work can be both colourful and intricate, which means the quality of a well-kept print makes a huge difference to its visual appeal. However, some wear and tear on prints is to be expected, particularly when they are as old as many Ernst prints now are. For this reason, it is incredibly important to store and handle your print correctly. Keeping it out of direct sunlight and away from extreme temperatures and humidity will help to protect the integrity of the paper and the vibrancy of the colours and ink used. The best form of protection is an acid-free folder or portfolio. If your print has changed hands multiple times since its creation, more damage is likely to have occurred. Where possible, establish its history - how it has been displayed, stored, or exhibited.

The most common forms of damage are fading from prolonged exposure to sunlight, small tears or creases from folding, and glue or tape residue from mounting. Having your print evaluated by a professional appraiser will allow you to determine the impact of damage on the value of your print. In many cases, a conservator can then assist you in restoring the print to its original condition. MyArtBroker can assist you in beginning this process.

Ernst’s work is regularly exhibited across the world. When exhibitions take place, they tend to have a positive impact on the interest in Ernst’s works. Equally important events to look out for are book or catalogue publications. For example, Ernst’s highest print sale, of Éluard Paul; Chanson Complète: Frontispiece, took place the same year that Ernst’s collection of essays and commentaries on his work, Die Retrospektive, was published. When discussion of an artist’s work becomes more prevalent, the interest is generally reflected in the art market. To track upcoming auctions, and assess auction results, visit the websites of auction houses such as Christie’s, Bonham’s, Phillips, and Sotheby’s - each produces its own value trajectory reports.

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.

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.

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 Max Ernst 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.