A Guide to Pierre-Auguste Renoir Prints and Their Value
Are you looking to sell your Pierre-Auguste Renoir print but don’t know where to start?
At Mark Littler LTD, we make selling your print effortless. Forget the hassle of reaching out to multiple auctioneers and dealers, uncertain about who will provide the best value. Rely on our decades of experience and trusted network to connect you with buyers who guarantee top prices and exceptional service. Let us take the guesswork out of the process, so you can sell with confidence.
Please use the form below to submit images of your Renoir print and receive a free, no-obligation valuation from a specialist. We will also actively seek the highest offer from our network of private collectors to help you sell your Renoir print.
Get a Free Valuation for Your Pierre-Auguste Renoir Print
"*" indicates required fields
Market Analysis: Pierre-Auguste Renoir Print Market 2015-2025
Data from Artprice.com reveals that Auguste Renoir’s print market has demonstrated impressive resilience over the past decade, with particularly strong performance in recent years.
Turnover has more than doubled from £218,661 in 2015 to £509,032 in 2024, with the market showing remarkable recovery from pandemic lows. The 2020 trough of £190,809 has been followed by consistent growth, culminating in back-to-back strong years in 2023-24.
Lot volumes have expanded dramatically, growing 116% from 141 lots in 2015 to 305 in 2024, suggesting increasing dealer confidence and collector demand. This expansion is particularly notable in the short term, with volumes rising nearly 50% since 2021.
The unsold rate shows significant improvement, falling from 43% in 2015 to 29% in 2024—a substantial enhancement in market efficiency. The consistent sub-30% unsold rates since 2021 indicate a market reaching newfound stability.
Renoir’s enduring appeal to collectors appears to be strengthening, with his Impressionist aesthetic finding renewed relevance in the contemporary market. This resurgence in interest contrasts with fluctuating markets for some modernist printmakers, suggesting a renaissance for Impressionist prints among today’s collectors.
Renoir Print Values: From £500 Classics to Record-Breaking £171,885 Sales
Pierre-Aguste Renoir’s most popular print at auction is Le Chapeau Épinglé; the prints were created from different plates, resulting in a range of unique variations across them. Prints from the second plate are particularly sought-after, with one impression selling at Sotheby’s in June 2010 for £171,885, more than £100,000 above its top estimate.
This is far higher than most Renoir prints sell for; according to Artprice data, the majority achieve prices between £100 and £500, with a significant number reaching up to £5,000. Renoir’s prints account for 65% of the artist’s work sold at auction, and they’ve remained steadily popular over the past 25 years, with prints in the £1,000 to £5,000 price range alone generating a turnover of more than £2.4 million since 2000.
Generally, Renoir’s most sought-after prints are those depicting idyllic, domestic scenes of contemporary bourgeois society. Enfants Jouant à la Balle is an example of this; the lithograph in colours regularly fetches over £10,000, and one impression achieved a record £47,808 at Sotheby’s in October 1998. More recently, another was sold in October 2018, also at Sotheby’s, for £30,588. Renoir prints of bathers and swimmers are also consistently popular at auction; Baigneuse Debout en Pied tends to fetch between £3,000 and £15,000, though one impression sold at Sotheby’s in April 2005 for £39,338, and Les Deux Baigneuses can expect to reach between £5,000 and £15,000.
Renoir Print Values: Factors Affecting Your Print’s Worth
Pierre-Auguste Renoir is remembered today as a pioneer of Impressionism, and he is generally acknowledged to be one of the most influential artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. His paintings sell for millions, with the most expensive to date being Au Moulin de la Galette, which sold for over £42 million at Sotheby’s in May 1990. Renoir prints, however, are available at more modest prices, making them an attractive proposition for enthusiasts and collectors alike. When assessing the value of a Renoir print, it’s important to consider the following factors:
CONDITION
Renoir was born in 1841 and died in 1919, so his prints are all over 100 years old. As a result, many are showing signs of their age, and are susceptible to damage. Therefore, they should be handled with care, and stored and displayed properly. Prints which remain in good condition and have been well-cared for can expect to command higher prices than prints which are showing signs of deterioration.
SIGNATURE & EDITION NUMBER
Renoir did not always sign his prints, and many were not numbered either. The lack of a handwritten signature may also indicate a print which was produced after the artist’s death, and these tend to be less valuable than those published during his lifetime. Prints from smaller editions, and those which have been hand-signed by Renoir, are generally the most sought-after and valuable at auction.
The Most Expensive Pierre-Auguste Renoir Prints Ever Sold
Thinking about selling your Renoir print? You might be sitting on a small fortune!
Click here to discover the five most expensive prints ever sold (and see how yours compares).
- Le Chapeau Épinglé, Deuxième Planche
- Enfants Jouant À La Balle
- Baigneuse, Debout, En Pied
- Jean Renoir (L’Enfant Au Biscuit)
- Jeune Femme En Buste, Mademoiselle Diéterle
Did You Know?
Did you know Pierre-Auguste Renoir married Aline Charigot, one of his models, in 1890, and they had three sons who all pursued creative careers?
It’s just one of the many fascinating things you might not know about this influential Impressionist artist.
Read our guide here to find out more.
How Print Condition Affects Value and Key Issues to Look Out For
A print’s condition greatly influences its value. Generally, prints in good condition command higher prices, though other factors may also impact worth. Assessing condition often involves removing the print from its frame for close inspection, ideally with advice from a print restorer. Key issues include:
Light Fading
Prolonged sunlight or bright artificial light exposure can cause colours and inks to fade, especially in prints made with lower-quality materials. This damage is usually irreversible.
Paper Discolouration
Discolouration can result from light exposure, stains, or foxing (small reddish-brown spots). Foxing worsens over time, especially in older prints, though it can often be treated by experts.
Physical Damage
Tears, creases, folds, and scratches may result from mishandling, age, or frame breakage. Many can be repaired, depending on the damage.
Acid Burn
Acidic mounting and framing materials can cause dark borders and discolouration. Fortunately, these marks are often reversible with specialist help.
Adhesive Residue
Acidic adhesives like tape degrade paper over time. While some adhesive damage can be treated, it’s preferable if prints aren’t mounted on poor-quality or acidic backings.
How Mark Littler LTD Help
Send us details about your print using the form above.
We contact our international network of customers for the best offers.
We’ll send you a valuation together with any offers we received and give you advice on how best to sell.
Need help with the logistics? We have a fully insured courier service available.
Simply sit back and wait for the funds to arrive.
Read More About Iconic 20th Century Artists
Pierre-Auguste Renoir Print Selling FAQ
What affects the value of my Pierre-Auguste Renoir print?
The value of your Renoir print is influenced by several factors, including rarity, condition, and commercial appeal. Limited edition prints, particularly those with smaller runs, are generally more valuable due to their scarcity. The condition of the print is also crucial; well-preserved prints in excellent condition tend to be worth more than those with damage or wear.
The image itself and the fame of the artist are important factors to consider as well; if the print is a popular work by a renowned artist, this can significantly boost its value, but even lesser-known works by the same artist may still be worth considerable sums. Additionally, prints from widely recognised editions or those with a strong market history often offer more buyer confidence, which can increase their value.
That said, there are exceptions to these trends, as factors like provenance and unique characteristics can sometimes outweigh the usual rules.
How do I authenticate my Pierre-Auguste Renoir print?
To authenticate your Renoir print, start by checking for any certificates of authenticity (also known as COAs) or accompanying documentation. Some artists have specific methods for verifying prints, such as unique signatures, stamps, or marks. Banksy, for instance, has Pest Control. The process can vary by artist, so researching their particular practices is a good idea.
We can assist with this process before sale to ensure proper verification.
Is a signed or unsigned print more valuable?
Signed limited edition prints generally hold the most value. Some prints – like chromolithographs or offset prints – are reproductions and aren’t limited in number unless the artist signs them, thereby restricting production. Other print methods, such as lithographs, involve unique processes but still typically need to be signed to hold significant value. In most cases, the artist’s signature is crucial in confirming both the print’s authenticity and its rarity.
What if I don’t have proof of purchase or provenance?
If you don’t have proof of purchase or provenance, it can affect the value of your print, depending on its age and artist. For mid-20th-century artists like L.S. Lowry, formal provenance may not be available, as these prints were often produced at lower costs before the art market grew. However, for modern prints by reputable artists like Banksy, full provenance is typically expected and essential for establishing value. Without provenance, verifying authenticity through expert authentication may be necessary.
How should I assess the condition of my artwork?
When assessing the condition of your artwork, look for three main types of damage: stains and marks on the surface of the print, fading to the artwork, and glue mounting.
Stains and surface damage, like foxing (small brown spots), are usually fairly easy to see, especially on older prints. It’s also worth checking for frame or mount burn, which can occur when non-acid-free materials react with the paper, causing discoloration.
Fading occurs when ink loses colour due to prolonged UV light exposure, and it is irreversible. While stains, marks, and other surface damage may be restorable, fading cannot be fixed.
Glue mounting is another factor that can impact the condition of your artwork. Prints were once glued to cardboard mounts to keep them flat, but this can cause damage and is difficult to reverse without further harm to the print.
Should I restore my artwork if it’s damaged?
In general, it’s often worth restoring a print if the damage is salvageable within a reasonable budget. However, determining that budget can be tricky. For example, you wouldn’t likely spend £3,000 restoring a print by L.S. Lowry that’s only worth £5,000, but spending the same amount on a Banksy print might be more justifiable due to its higher value.
We can offer advice on whether restoration is worthwhile before sale to help you make the best decision for your artwork.
When is the best time to sell my Pierre-Auguste Renoir artwork?
In reality, there’s no perfect time to sell your print—timing the market is difficult, and hindsight is always clearer. What matters most is handling the sale as effectively as possible, whether by securing the highest private offer or entering an auction with a substantial marketing budget and a broad private buyer base. It’s worth noting that local auctions may not be the best option for high-value prints. At Mark Littler Limited, we can advise on the best course of action, whether through auction or private sale.
Where can I sell my Pierre-Auguste Renoir artwork?
The most common route to sell prints is through auction, but not all auctions are equal. While local auctions may seem like a convenient option, there’s no substitute for the depth of expertise and specialism offered by larger, well-established auction houses. They provide better marketing, reach, and the confidence that comes with expert auctioneers who can assure buyers of the print’s value. Alternatively, you can also sell privately. At Mark Littler Limited, we can assist with both auction and private sale options to help you choose the best route for your print.
What are the pros and cons of selling via auction vs. private sale?
Auctions have the advantage of being able to transact prints quickly, typically within a three to six-month period. There’s also the potential for “auction fever,” where buyers may bid more than the print’s expected value. Auctions can sometimes achieve higher prices than galleries or dealers, as buyers feel they have control over setting the price. However, auctions come with more risk: the reserve price can’t exceed the low estimate, and the estimate must be attractive enough to draw in buyers.
Private sales offer more security, as the sale price is guaranteed, eliminating the risks associated with auction. However, private sales aren’t always possible for every print. At Mark Littler Limited, we can help you decide whether auction or private sale is the best option for your print, and in some cases, we can even facilitate private sales.
This article from the BBC has a good overview of the pros and cons on the various sales methods.