Composition Noire, Jaune, Bleue Et Rouge © Serge Polakoff 1966
Serge Poliakoff
25 works
Key Takeaways
Serge Poliakoff's prints consistently attract serious collectors, with individual works typically fetching between £10,000 and £20,000. His most sought-after lithographs from the 1950s and 1960s can achieve even higher prices, with collections reaching up to £48,699 at auction. Authentication requires thorough examination of provenance, printing technique, and reference to Alexis Poliakoff's catalogue raisonné. Poliakoff's distinctive use of colour and form in printmaking means condition assessment is crucial to determining a print's value. Strategic timing of sales, such as during major retrospectives or anniversaries, can optimise returns for sellers. The European market remains particularly strong for Poliakoff's work, with prints showing significant potential for appreciation.
Serge Poliakoff, a key figure in the post-war emergence of abstract art movements, is known for his prints and paintings of interlocking forms. He was as much a lithographer as a painter, bringing his religious inspirations, skill as an abstract colourist, and philosophical approach to art to both mediums. For owners of Poliakoff prints who are looking to sell, this guide aims to navigate the market for Poliakoff's prints, offering insights into valuation, authentication, and effective selling strategies.
Poliakoff's artistic journey took him from his native Russia to Paris, where he became an integral part of the École de Paris. His printmaking practice, which began in earnest in the 1950s, allowed him to explore his ideas about colour and form in a different medium. These prints not only made his artistic vision more accessible to a wider audience but also gave Poliakoff new ways to experiment with abstract elements, complementing his work in painting. Today, his ‘jigsaw-esque’ compositions are significant markers in the history of modern art.
Throughout his career, Poliakoff produced a significant body of printed work, primarily lithographs. From his early experiments in the medium to his later, more refined compositions, Poliakoff's prints provide a fascinating glimpse into the artist's creative process and his enduring influence on abstract art.
How Much do Serge Poliakoff Prints Sell For?
The instantly-recognisable work of Serge Poliakoff remains consistently popular with collectors. His iconic jigsaw compositions typically sell for between £10,000 and £20,000, with collections of prints achieving the highest values. Although the majority of prints in Poliakoff’s portfolio are lithographs, his etchings perform equally well.
Poliakoff's lithographs from the 1950s and 1960s, which represent the height of his artistic maturity, are particularly prized by collectors. These prints capture Poliakoff’s unique approach to abstract geometry, his bold colour contrasts, and his understanding of compositional balance. The highest value achieved by a collection of Poliakoff prints at auction is £48,699, paid for an untitled collection of 10 prints in 2013. In more recent years, individual prints have been performing comparatively well. Composition Bleue, Jaune Et Rouge (1965) sold for £10,164 in 2022, and Composition Bleue (1966) sold for £12,909 in 2019. Composition Rouge, Verte Et Bleue (1969) has sold for over £8,000 twice since 2020.
Poliakoff kept his print editions to around 75 prints, which ensures their rarity and keeps demand and competition consistent. Even rarer artist proofs are highly prized. The market for Poliakoff's prints has shown steady growth over recent decades, with particular interest from collectors in Europe and North America. This global demand has contributed to the consistent appreciation of his print works, making them attractive to both art enthusiasts and investors.
How Do You Authentivate a Serge Poliakoff Print?
Authentication of a Serge Poliakoff print involves establishing its history, its composition, and its place in the artist’s broader body of work. Begin by gathering all available documentation related to the print's history of ownership and exhibition. This can include certificates of authenticity, gallery receipts, exhibition catalogues, or correspondence with the artist or print studio. Establishing a clear provenance trail back to Poliakoff himself is crucial.
The definitive catalogue raisonné for Poliakoff's work, compiled by his son Alexis Poliakoff, is an invaluable resource for authentication. This comprehensive multi-volume catalogue documents Poliakoff's artistic output, including his prints, providing detailed information on techniques, editions, and variations.
Poliakoff's prints were often produced in collaboration with renowned print studios and publishers. Verifying the involvement of these studios through their stamps or markings can provide additional evidence of authenticity. For example, many of Poliakoff's lithographs were printed by Mourlot Editions in Paris and bear their distinctive stamp.
Understanding the nuances of Poliakoff's printmaking techniques is essential for authentication. His lithographs often feature rich, layered colours and precise forms that require expert printing. Examining the quality of the printing, the paper used, and the technique employed can provide valuable insights into the print's authenticity.
Edition & Signature
Serge Poliakoff typically signed his prints in pencil, usually on the front of the print in the lower margin. His signature is generally fairly large and in cursive, often accompanied by the year of creation. Poliakoff's print editions varied in size, fluctuating at different points of his career, with some limited to as few as 30 copies, while others reached 200 or more. Edition numbers are typically found on the lower left, written as a fraction (e.g., 15/75). Artist's proofs, often marked “E.A.” (épreuve d'artiste), are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch higher prices than the numbered edition.
Poliakoff's approach to editioning evolved over his career. Early prints may have less formal numbering or signature practices, while later works often adhere to more standardised conventions. Understanding these nuances can be crucial in authenticating and dating a Poliakoff print.
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Has Your Serge Poliakoff Print Been Kept in Good Condition?
Serge Poliakoff's prints are renowned for their bold, texture-rich colours and precise geometric forms, making their condition a crucial factor in determining their value and appeal to collectors. Any deterioration can significantly impact the overall worth and visual impact of these works.
When evaluating a Poliakoff print, begin by assessing the colour retention. The artist's unique style heavily relies on rich, saturated colours, and any fading or shifts can be particularly detrimental. This is especially true for his lithographs, which comprise a substantial portion of his print portfolio. Lithographic inks are susceptible to fading when exposed to direct sunlight or harsh artificial light for extended periods.
Next, examine the paper for signs of damage or ageing. Poliakoff often used high-quality, acid-free papers, including fine wove papers, such as Rives, known for their durability and texture. However, even these superior materials can be affected by environmental factors over time. Look for discolouration, foxing (brown spots caused by oxidation), or acid burn, particularly around the edges.
Carefully inspect the print's surface for imperfections such as creases, scratches, abrasions, or undulations caused by past water damage. These flaws can be especially noticeable in areas of solid colour, which are hallmarks of Poliakoff's style. Use raking light to detect any such issues.
To maintain your Poliakoff print in optimal condition and secure the highest sale value, proper storage and display are essential. Ideally, store prints in acid-free portfolios, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity. If framing is preferred, use UV-protective glass and acid-free matting to prevent light damage and acid migration.
For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Serge Poliakoff print, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My Serge Poliakoff Print?
The art market fluctuates, both in yearly cycles and as interest in particular artists and movements rises and falls. Paying close attention to trends and upcoming events will allow you to choose the perfect time to sell your print.
Overall, Poliakoff's market has shown steady growth over the past decades, but particular spikes often follow major exhibitions or renewed interest in post-war European abstraction. The comprehensive retrospective at the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris in 2013 sparked renewed international attention on Poliakoff's work across all mediums, resulting in a smattering of high-value print sales across Europe; the afore-mentioned record sale of an untitled print collection took place in Zurich and Composition Rouge, Verte Et Bleue (1969) sold for nearly £10,000.
Anniversary years related to significant moments in Poliakoff's career can also create opportune selling moments by stirring up discussion and prompting galleries to host exhibitions. For instance, 2019 was the 50th anniversary of his death and saw two of Poliakoff’s top 10 highest-value print auction sales take place.
Keep an eye on broader trends in the art market, particularly those related to post-war European abstraction or the École de Paris. Monitoring sales results and value trajectory reports from major auction houses and galleries can be the most effective way to do this, highlighting which prints are proving most popular at any given time.
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.
Serge Poliakoff 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.
