I am very happy to announce that one of the most amazing auctions for printmaking will be happening on January 29th at Christie’s New York auction house. This will be the work from Albrecht Durer. The auction house has this to say about the sale:
This private collection of 61 lots represents the one of the finest selection of prints by Albrecht Dürer to appear at auction for many years. Meticulously assembled over the course of almost half a century by a connoisseur with an unparalleled eye for quality, this auction features Dürer’s masterworks, including Adam and Eve and Melencolia I. Estimates start at $3000.
Honestly, this is an understatement. The collection of work is really just beautiful, showing a master at his craft. As a fellow printmaker, I can only tell how long it takes to make one block to print from, no matter if it is a wood cut or lithograph. It really is no easy task to accomplish. Then with the beauty that Durer put into his art is really breath-taking. If a buyer were looking to start or expand his/her collection on medieval art or in print making, this is, without a doubt the must auction of the year.
For Durer’s work, the pricing is prime. What I mean by this is simply that it is right in the average range for prints, especially if they are earlier on the print count. What you are looking for on these are the early prints. Since printmaking is designed strictly to make duplicates, even to be printed after the artist’s, the early series or runs you can find of prints by an artist is key. For instance, Most of these prints that I have looked at from the Christie’s website for the sale were made during Durer’s life, which is excellent. Not only does this mean that the buyer will be getting an early print, but also means that chances are that Durer himself could have made the prints.
To see more on this sale, please view the Christie’s Website. I put major emphasis in this auction as could be a once in a long while before the world sees such a collection of Durer’s work of this quality being sold at one time. The details are perfect on all of the pieces. It is a must for any collector of prints and medieval art.
On a separate note, I would like to take this time to announce that my own printmaking work will be up for exhibition coming later this year in Portland OR. The pieces will be for sale at the exhibition. From the information that I currently have, the show will be at the Screaming Sky Gallery from May-June and a possibility of another show in Pittsburgh PA in September. More details will be posted as time grows closer.
Art and Auction 