Robert Motherwell Aquatints: Auction Prices

American · 1915–1991

ArtSell has recorded 48 auction results for Robert Motherwell aquatints between 2001 and 2026, of which 43 sold (90% sell-through). Prices realised range from $630 to $18,750, with a median of $3,750 across 43 priced sales (USD at the sale-date rate). A further 1 lot offered at auction whose result the house did not publish is listed but not counted. The highest recorded price is $18,750 for “Gesture IV (State I)” at Phillips in 2013.

Record: Gesture IV (State I) — $18,750Sign up free to see

Price chart & statistics for Robert Motherwell →

All aquatints results

1. 
   Robert Natkin

   Aquatint · Paper

   Sheet: 18.75" h x 21" w

   Clarke Auction Gallery · Sep 13, 2026 · Lot 83
   $4,000≈ £2,964≈ €3,451HammerSign up free to seeEst. $2,000–3,000View at Clarke Auction Gallery ↗
2. 
   Seaside Studio (E. & B. 495), 1990

   Aquatint · Paper · ed. 3/32

   I. 59.9 x 51.4 cm (23 5/8 x 20 1/4 in.) S. 79.6 x 69.8 cm (31 3/8 x 27 1/2 in.)

   Phillips · Sep 3, 2026 · Lot 351
   Unsold / did not meet reserveEst. £3,000–5,000View at Phillips ↗
3. 
   Three Forms (E. & B. 469), 1988

   Aquatint · Paper · ed. 49/50

   I. 29.9 x 60.1 cm (11 3/4 x 23 5/8 in.) S. 50 x 78.9 cm (19 5/8 x 31 1/8 in.)

   Phillips · Sep 3, 2026 · Lot 349
   £1,806≈ $2,438≈ €2,099Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. £2,000–3,000View at Phillips ↗
4. 
   The Red Queen (E. & B. 476), 1989

   Aquatint · Paper · ed. 8/40

   I. 60 x 45 cm (23 5/8 x 17 3/4 in.) S. 79.5 x 63.5 cm (31 1/4 x 25 in.)

   Phillips · Sep 3, 2026 · Lot 347
   Unsold / did not meet reserveEst. £4,000–6,000View at Phillips ↗
5. 
   Primal Sign V (Copper), 1981

   Aquatint · Paper

   23⅝ h x 16⅝ w in (60 x 42 cm)

   Wright · Aug 6, 2026 · Lot 215
   $1,920≈ £1,426≈ €1,663Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $1,200–View at Wright ↗
6. 
   Phoenician Etching, 1983

   Aquatint · Paper · ed. 24/40

   14.125"h, 16"w

   Palm Beach Modern Auctions · May 16, 2026 · Lot 311
   Result not publishedEst. $600–800View at Palm Beach Modern Auctions ↗
7. 
   French Revolution Bicentennial IV (E. & B. 385), 1988

   Aquatint · Paper · ed. 22/35

   I. 9 3/4 x 13 3/4 in. (24.8 x 34.9 cm) S. 17 x 20 in. (43.2 x 50.8 cm)

   Phillips · Feb 7, 2026 · Lot 148
   $2,451≈ £1,804≈ €2,078Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $2,000–4,000View at Phillips ↗
8. 
   Red Open with White Line, 1979

   Aquatint

   18½ h x 35¾ w in (47 x 91 cm)

   Wright · Dec 16, 2025 · Lot 208
   $10,795≈ £8,034≈ €9,167Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $7,000–View at Wright ↗
9. 
   Red Sea II, 1979

   Aquatint

   23⅝ h x 19¾ w in (60 x 50 cm)

   Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) · Sep 3, 2025 · Lot 189
   $6,350≈ £4,734≈ €5,449Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $7,000–View at Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) ↗
10. 
    Stephen's Iron Crown Etched, 1982

    Aquatint

    15⅝ h x 19¾ w in (40 x 50 cm)

    Wright · Aug 6, 2025 · Lot 131
    $2,508≈ £1,884≈ €2,161Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $1,500–View at Wright ↗
11. 
    Signs on Red, 1981

    Aquatint

    20 h x 27½ w in (51 x 70 cm)

    Rago Auctions · Jun 4, 2024 · Lot 126
    $10,710≈ £8,393≈ €9,857Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $6,000–View at Rago Auctions ↗
12. 
    Roth-Handle II (Crimson), 1975

    Aquatint

    8½ h x 12¾ w in (22 x 32 cm)

    Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) · May 15, 2024 · Lot 154
    $2,142≈ £1,697≈ €1,977Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $2,000–View at Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) ↗
13. 
    Gauloises Bleues (Raw Umber Edge) (E. & B. 99), 1971

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. 8/38

    I. 11 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (29.2 x 16.5 cm) S. 22 1/2 x 15 1/4 in. (57.2 x 38.7 cm)

    Phillips · Feb 15, 2024 · Lot 87
    Unsold / did not meet reserveEst. $1,500–2,500View at Phillips ↗
14. 
    Primal Sign Iv

    Aquatint

    Palm Beach Modern Auctions · Nov 4, 2023 · Lot 690
    $3,712≈ £3,017≈ €3,469Price realizedSign up free to seeView at Palm Beach Modern Auctions ↗
15. 
    Red Sea I (E. & B. 193), 1976

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. 6/100

    I. 23 5/8 x 19 7/8 in. (60 x 50.5 cm) S. 41 3/8 x 29 1/8 in. (105.1 x 74 cm)

    Phillips · Oct 24, 2023 · Lot 269
    $10,795≈ £8,836≈ €10,153Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $8,000–12,000View at Phillips ↗
16. 
    Phoenician Etching

    Aquatint · Paper

    5⅞ h x 7¾ w in (15 x 20 cm)

    Rago Auctions · Oct 12, 2023 · Lot 231
    $630≈ £512≈ €593Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $700–View at Rago Auctions ↗
17. 
    Gauloises Bleues, 1968

    Aquatint · ed. 53/75

    22 1/4" x 14 1/4"

    Barridoff Auctions · Aug 19, 2023 · Lot 191
    $2,750≈ £2,163≈ €2,531HammerSign up free to seeEst. $2,000–3,000View at Barridoff Auctions ↗
18. 
    Elegy Fragment II, 1985

    Aquatint

    23⅝ h x 14½ w in (60 x 37 cm)

    Rago Auctions · Jun 1, 2023 · Lot 212
    $3,276≈ £2,628≈ €3,063Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $1,500–View at Rago Auctions ↗
19. 
    Red Sea I, 1976

    Aquatint · Paper

    23½ h x 19½ w in (60 x 50 cm)

    Rago Auctions · Oct 12, 2022 · Lot 210
    $8,960≈ £8,109≈ €9,231Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $10,000–View at Rago Auctions ↗
20. 
    Roth-Händle II (Olive) (E. & B. 188), 1975

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. 6/6

    I. 22 x 32.5 cm (8 5/8 x 12 3/4 in.) S. 62.8 x 53.5 cm (24 3/4 x 21 1/8 in.)

    Phillips · Sep 14, 2022 · Lot 203
    £1,512≈ $1,746≈ €1,748Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. £800–1,200View at Phillips ↗
21. 
    España II, 1983

    Aquatint · Paper

    7¾ h x 5¾ w in (20 x 15 cm)

    Rago Auctions · Feb 24, 2022 · Lot 276
    $1,375≈ £1,028≈ €1,232Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $1,000–View at Rago Auctions ↗
22. 
    Sirens II, 1988

    Aquatint · Paper

    22½ h x 26 w in (57 x 66 cm)

    Rago Auctions · Jun 16, 2021 · Lot 566
    $2,750≈ £1,947≈ €2,268Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $2,000–View at Rago Auctions ↗
23. 
    Naples Yellow Open, 1984

    Aquatint · Paper

    14 h x 19½ w in (36 x 50 cm)

    Rago Auctions · May 19, 2021 · Lot 324
    $2,500≈ £1,765≈ €2,047Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $1,000–View at Rago Auctions ↗
24. 
    The Green Studio, 1985

    Aquatint · Paper

    12 h x 18 w in (30 x 46 cm)

    Rago Auctions · May 19, 2021 · Lot 322
    $7,500≈ £5,296≈ €6,142Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $2,000–View at Rago Auctions ↗
25. 
    Delta, 1981-1982

    Aquatint · Paper

    27⅛ h x 33 w in (69 x 84 cm)

    Rago Auctions · Feb 17, 2021 · Lot 236
    $3,750≈ £2,704≈ €3,109Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $1,800–View at Rago Auctions ↗
26. 
    Plate (from Alphabet Series), 1986

    Aquatint · Paper

    Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) · Oct 18, 2020 · Lot 81
    $7,000≈ £5,381≈ €5,962Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $7,000–View at Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) ↗
27. 
    The Razor's Edge, 1985

    Aquatint · Paper

    15½ h x 19½ w in (39 x 50 cm)

    Rago Auctions · Feb 26, 2020 · Lot 276
    $5,938≈ £4,595≈ €5,460Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $6,000–View at Rago Auctions ↗
28. 
    Delta

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. 11/48

    1220 x 910mm

    Art+Object · Jun 27, 2019 · Lot 142
    NZ$2,402≈ $1,607≈ £1,264≈ €1,413Price realizedSign up free to seeView at Art+Object ↗
29. 
    French Revolution Bicentennial Suite II-V, 1988

    Aquatint · Paper

    Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) · Feb 17, 2019 · Lot 235
    $9,375≈ £7,251≈ €8,326Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $8,000–View at Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) ↗
30. 
    Roth-Händle, 1975

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. AP

    S. 19 1/2 x 15 1/2 in. (49.5 x 39.4 cm)

    Phillips · Apr 24, 2018 · Lot 179
    $4,375≈ £3,133≈ €3,582Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $4,000–6,000View at Phillips ↗
31. 
    Gauloises bleues (Raw Umber Edge), 1971

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. 18/38

    I. 11 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (29.2 x 16.5 cm) S. 22 3/4 x 15 1/2 in. (57.8 x 39.4 cm)

    Phillips · Oct 17, 2017 · Lot 247
    Unsold / did not meet reserveEst. $2,500–3,500View at Phillips ↗
32. 
    Alphabet Series print, 1987

    Aquatint

    36¾ h x 27½ w in (93 x 70 cm)

    Wright · Jun 22, 2017 · Lot 176
    $8,750≈ £6,907≈ €7,834Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $7,000–View at Wright ↗
33. 
    Roth-Handle II (Blue), 1975

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. 2/6

    I. 8 1/2 x 12 7/8 in. (21.6 x 32.7 cm) S. 24 5/8 x 21 in. (62.5 x 53.3 cm)

    Phillips · Apr 18, 2017 · Lot 204
    $2,500≈ £1,975≈ €2,340Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $2,000–3,000View at Phillips ↗
34. 
    Gauloises Bleues (Yellow with Black Square), 1971

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. 35/35

    I. 11 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (29.2 x 16.5 cm) S. 22 3/4 x 15 1/2 in. (57.8 x 39.4 cm)

    Phillips · Apr 18, 2017 · Lot 202
    $2,125≈ £1,679≈ €1,989Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $1,500–2,500View at Phillips ↗
35. 
    Game of Chance, 1987

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. AP

    I. 23 x 16 1/2 in. (58.4 x 41.9 cm) S. 34 1/2 x 27 in. (87.6 x 68.6 cm)

    Phillips · Apr 18, 2017 · Lot 195
    $6,875≈ £5,430≈ €6,436Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $6,000–9,000View at Phillips ↗
36. 
    Roth Handle II (Crimson), 1975

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. 6/6

    I. 8 1/2 x 12 3/4 in. (21.6 x 32.4 cm) S. 24 3/4 x 21 in. (62.9 x 53.3 cm)

    Phillips · Oct 26, 2016 · Lot 168
    $3,750≈ £3,071≈ €3,432Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $1,800–2,400View at Phillips ↗
37. 
    At the Edge, 1984

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. 20/34

    I. 15 1/2 x 18 3/8 in. (39.4 x 46.7 cm) S. 22 3/4 x 25 in. (57.8 x 63.5 cm)

    Phillips · Apr 25, 2016 · Lot 189
    $18,750≈ £12,924≈ €16,646Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $6,000–9,000View at Phillips ↗
38. 
    Gauloises Bleues (White), 1970

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. 28/40

    I. 11 1/2 x 6 3/8 in. (29.2 x 16.2 cm) S. 22 3/4 x 15 1/2 in. (57.8 x 39.4 cm)

    Phillips · Oct 26, 2015 · Lot 173
    $1,750≈ £1,142≈ €1,589Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $1,500–2,500View at Phillips ↗
39. 
    Roth-Händle, 1974-1975

    Aquatint · Paper

    Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) · Mar 1, 2015 · Lot 339
    $2,500≈ £1,624≈ €2,227Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $3,000–View at Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) ↗
40. 
    Red Sea II, 1979

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. 78/100

    23-5/8 x 19-3/4 in (plate)

    Brunk Auctions · Jul 11, 2014 · Lot 696
    Unsold / did not meet reserveEst. $8,000–10,000View at Brunk Auctions ↗
41. 
    Untitled, 1973

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. 29/50

    I. 23 3/8 x 19 1/2 in (59.4 x 49.5 cm) S. 41 x 29 1/4 in (104.1 x 74.3 cm)

    Phillips · Apr 28, 2014 · Lot 106
    $7,500≈ £4,452≈ €5,411Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $4,000–6,000View at Phillips ↗
42. 
    Put Out All Flags, 1980

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. 15/50

    I. 11 5/8 x 19 3/4 in (29.5 x 50.2 cm) S. 21 x 28 7/8 in (53.3 x 73.3 cm)

    Phillips · Apr 28, 2014 · Lot 104
    $9,375≈ £5,565≈ €6,764Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $7,000–10,000View at Phillips ↗
43. 
    España, 1990

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. 6/40

    I. 15 1/2 x 23 1/2 in (39.4 x 59.7 cm) S. 24 x 32 1/4 in (61 x 81.9 cm)

    Phillips · Oct 28, 2013 · Lot 145
    $6,875≈ £4,256≈ €4,988Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $4,000–6,000View at Phillips ↗
44. 
    Flesh Automatism, 1984

    Aquatint · Paper · ed. 11/15

    I. 17 3/4 x 23 5/8 in (45.1 x 60 cm) S. 24 1/4 x 30 1/4 in (61.6 x 76.8 cm)

    Phillips · Oct 28, 2013 · Lot 143
    $10,625≈ £6,578≈ €7,708Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $7,000–9,000View at Phillips ↗
45. 
    Gesture IV (State I), 1976

    Aquatint · Paper

    I. 19 3/4 x 16 in (50.2 x 40.6 cm) S. 35 x 26 1/4 in (88.9 x 66.7 cm)

    Phillips · Oct 28, 2013 · Lot 141
    $18,750≈ £11,608≈ €13,603Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $8,000–12,000View at Phillips ↗
46. 
    Untitled, 1973

    Aquatint · Paper

    Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) · May 6, 2012 · Lot 474
    $4,063≈ £2,514≈ €3,117Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $1,800–View at Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) ↗
47. 
    España II, 1983

    Aquatint · Other support

    7¾ h x 5¾ w in (20 x 15 cm)

    Wright · Sep 15, 2011 · Lot 355
    $1,500≈ £949≈ €1,087Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $1,500–View at Wright ↗
48. 
    España I, 1983

    Aquatint · Other support

    4¾ h x 3¾ w in (12 x 10 cm)

    Wright · Sep 15, 2011 · Lot 354
    $1,500≈ £949≈ €1,087Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $1,500–View at Wright ↗
49. 
    Naples Yellow Open, 1983

    Aquatint

    11½ h x 18 w in (29 x 46 cm)

    Wright · Oct 28, 2001 · Lot 718
    $4,025≈ £2,776≈ €4,470Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. $3,000–View at Wright ↗

Other media by Robert Motherwell

PaintingsWorks on PaperPrintsOil PaintingsAcrylic PaintingsDrawingsEtchingsLithographsScreenprints

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