Printmaking has long been an essential medium in the art world, allowing for the reproduction of stunning works while maintaining artistic integrity. While many prints are relatively affordable compared to original paintings, some have shattered expectations, achieving record-breaking prices at auction. These sales highlight the power and prestige of print art in the secondary market. Here are the most expensive prints ever sold, proving that prints can be just as valuable as unique works.

Edvard Munch’s The Scream (1895) – $119.9 Million

Perhaps the most famous print to ever hit the auction block, Edvard Munch’s The Scream (1895) sold for an astounding $119.9 million at Sotheby’s in May 2012. This pastel-on-board version of the iconic masterpiece set a record at the time as the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. Munch’s haunting depiction of existential despair continues to captivate collectors, reinforcing the value of high-quality prints in the fine art world.

Munch, The Scream, 1895

Edvard Munch’s Young Woman on the Beach (1896) – £2.1 Million ($3 Million)

Another Edvard Munch print broke records when Young Woman on the Beach sold for £2.1 million ($3 million) at Christie’s London in 2013. The melancholic aquatint, depicting a solitary figure gazing over the ocean, exceeded its pre-sale estimate by 200%. This sale underscored the demand for Munch’s work and positioned his prints among the most valuable in art history.

Munch, Young Woman on the Beach

Pablo Picasso’s La Femme qui Pleure, I (1937) – $5.1 Million

Pablo Picasso’s etching La Femme qui Pleure, I (Weeping Woman) from 1937 sold for $5.1 million at Sotheby’s in 2011, making it the most expensive print by the legendary artist ever auctioned. The piece, created during Picasso’s emotionally charged Guernica period, showcases his masterful use of line work and profound ability to capture human suffering.

Picasso, La Femme qui Pleure

Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe (1967) – $3.4 Million

Andy Warhol’s pop-art prints have always been sought after, but in 2022, a rare complete set of his Marilyn Monroe (1967) screenprints fetched $3.4 million at Christie’s. Warhol’s use of bold colors and celebrity culture continues to resonate with collectors, making his prints among the most expensive and influential of the 20th century.

Andy Warhol, Marilyn, 1967

Roy Lichtenstein’s Sweet Dreams Baby! (1965) – $1.6 Million

Roy Lichtenstein’s Sweet Dreams Baby! (1965) broke records for comic book-inspired pop art prints when it sold for $1.6 million. This screenprint exemplifies Lichtenstein’s signature Ben-Day dot technique and vibrant aesthetic, making it a prized piece for collectors.

Roy Lictenstein, 1965

The Rise of High-Value Prints in the Secondary Market

The rise of auction records for prints signals a growing recognition of their artistic and historical significance. Collectors are increasingly willing to invest in limited-edition and rare prints, a trend that benefits both the art market and the artists themselves. Platforms like Fair Art are committed to ensuring that artists continue to receive royalties even in the secondary market, fostering a more sustainable and equitable art ecosystem.

As print collecting gains momentum, these record-breaking sales serve as a testament to the lasting impact of printmaking in the art world. Whether you're an established collector or just starting, keeping an eye on the print market can lead to exciting opportunities and valuable investments.

FairArt Editorial | Your Guide to the Secondary Art Market

Stay updated on the latest trends in art collecting and discover how the secondary market is evolving. Follow us on Instagram (@fairart.io) and TikTok (FairArt.com) for more insights!