From Rembrandt to Banksy: printmaking through the ages at auction
05 September 2023 Ever since the dawn of the print revolution in Europe in the 15th century, the artistic possibilities of printmaking have fascinated artists.
Authenticated by Pest Control and offered with a certificate of authenticity, this Banksy screenprint ‘Pulp Fiction’ was published in 2004 by Pictures On Walls. It is estimated at £20,000-30,000 at Trevanion on September 13-14. View the catalogue entry for this Banksy screenprint on thesaleroom.com.
Creating images as multiples allowed for new ways of creating and selling artworks, and many major names in art history were drawn to the striking potential and versatility of prints.
Numerous prints are available to buy regularly at auctions on thesaleroom.com, both at specialist fine art sales and also at general auctions. If you’re new to the sector, you can read our guide on how to start your print collection.
With prints dating from across the centuries on offer at upcoming auctions, here’s a pick of five upcoming lots at different auctions to show the spread of what is available over the next few weeks.
1. Rembrandt etching
Among the Old Master prints coming at auction this season is a Rembrandt (1606-69) etching on offer at Chiswick Auctions on September 12. The original edition of Diana at the bath was from c.1631, and this is a later impression is estimated at £3000-5000. View the catalogue entry for this Rembrandt etching on thesaleroom.com.
2. Hendrick Goltzius engraving
Also on offer at the Chiswick Auctions sale on September 12, is this Hendrick Goltzius (1558-1617) engraving titled The great standard-bearer. Dated and signed in the plate Ao 1587 HGoltzius fe, it is described as a ‘very good impression of the only state’. The estimate is £2000-3000. View the catalogue entry for this Hendrick Goltzius engraving on thesaleroom.com.
3. Emily Eden lithograph
A group of 24 hand-coloured lithographed plates by Emily Eden (1797-1869) depicting Indian subjects that she recorded during her spell in the sub-continent between 1836-42 is on offer at Sworders’ sale of items from the Guinness collection on September 14. Most depict princely figures as well as members of their families, servants and various religious figures. A lithographed title page depicting the son of the Nawab of Banda is included in the lot which is estimated at £8000-12,000. View the catalogue entry for this Emily Eden lithograph on thesaleroom.com.
4. David Hockney limited edition
Dreweatts sale of the collection of interior decorator Robert Kime on October 5 includes a copy of David Hockney’s (b.1937) Rue de Seine. The etching, which is signed and dated 72 is numbered 23/150. The estimate is £20,000-30,000. View the catalogue entry for this David Hockney Etching on thesaleroom.com.
5. Banksy screenprint
Authenticated by Pest Control and offered with a certificate of authenticity, this Banksy screenprint ‘Pulp Fiction’ was published in 2004 by Pictures On Walls. It is estimated at £20,000-30,000 at Trevanion on September 13-14. View the catalogue entry for this Banksy screenprint on thesaleroom.com.
