Quote and value of paintings, drawings and sculptures by Wifredo Lam
Key takeaways
- Wifredo Lam, a Cuban surrealist painter (1902–1982), is a major figure in the art market, with works priced between €10 and €7.3 million.
- Oil-on-canvas paintings fetch the highest prices, up to €7.3 million, such as “Omi obini” in 2020, while ceramics range from €70 to €8,500.
- His works, characterized by vivid colors and complex compositions, are highly prized by private collectors but little known to the general public.
If you own a work by or based on the work of artist Wifredo Lam and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will guide you. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on the current market. Then, if you wish to sell your work, we will direct you to the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.
Rating and value of the artist
A surrealist painter, Wifredo Lam has established himself as a major figure on the art market. His works are highly prized by collectors. Works can be found in a wide range of media, selling for between €10 and €7,300,480 - a relatively wide range, but one that says a lot about the price these works can fetch. For example, a work signed by Wifredo Lam can be worth millions of euros at auction, as evidenced by his oil on canvas Omi obini, dating from 1943, sold for €7,300,480 in 2020.
Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious
Technique used | Result |
|---|---|
Ceramics | From €70 to €8,500 |
Estamp - multiple | From €10 to €12,160 |
Sculpture - volume | From €220 to €122,830 |
Drawing - watercolor | From €50 to €900,330 |
Oil on canvas | From €300 to €7,300,480 |
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Style and technique of the artist Wifredo Lam
Wifredo Lam is a Cuban surrealist artist, who produced drawings, prints, paintings and sculptures.
He is responsible for a substantial output. His works are characterized by vivid colors, fine lines and fairly complex compositions.
The career of Wifredo Lam
Wifredo Lam (1902-1982), was a Surrealist artist born in Sagua la Grande, Cuba.
He took an interest in drawing from elementary school, and studied the Renaissance Italians, as well as Goya and Matisse, by whom he was greatly influenced. After studying law, he chose to study portraiture techniques in order to devote himself to a career as an artist.
Bound by his country's history to Spain, he moved there in 1924, to Madrid, where he studied at the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts. He then attended other non-conformist schools in the same city. He then moved to Paris, where he met all the greatest artists of his time, including Picasso, Léger, Miro and Tzara.
In June 1940, he returned to Cuba thanks to the committee headed by Varian Fry. During his journey, he befriended the poet Aimé Césaire. Like many Surrealists of his time, poetry was to have a major influence on his artistic production.
From 1945, Lam began traveling again, immersing himself in the work of many French and European artists, such as Alexander Calder.
At the end of his life, he worked extensively in Italy and died in Paris in 1982, aged 79.
The legacy of Wifredo Lam
Wifredo Lam's works are characterized by perpetual experimentation around surrealism. Today, he is not well known to the general public, but appreciated and sought after by collectors.
Although some of his paintings or drawings are held in museums in France and around the world, private collectors play a big part in preserving his work.
His signature
Wifredo Lam's works are not all signed.
If you think you own one, it's best to have it appraised to be sure of its originality.
Expertise your property
If you own a work by Wifredo Lam, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal by filling in our online form. A member of our team of experts and licensed auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of the market value of your work.
If you are considering selling your work, our specialists will also guide you through the various alternatives available to obtain the best possible price, taking into account market trends and the specific features of each work.
.Estimate in less than 24h
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Similar works sold at auction
Estimated Between €800 and €1,500
Claude Victor BOELZ (b. 1937), gilt bronze and quartz centerpiece
Estimated Between €10,000 and €20,000
Baltasar LOBO (1910-1993), female nude in bronze
Estimated Between €5,000 and €8,000
Jean MIOTTE (1926-2016), acrylic on canvas
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Frequently asked questions
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Who is Wifredo Lam, and what is his significance in art history?Wifredo Lam (1902–1982) was a major Cuban surrealist painter of the 20th century, trained in Madrid and Paris, where he rubbed shoulders with Picasso, Léger, and Miró. His work is characterized by a constant exploration of surrealism, combining vivid colors, fine lines, and complex compositions inspired by poetry and his Caribbean roots. Although little known to the general public, he is highly regarded and sought after by collectors around the world.
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What is the price range for Wifredo Lam's works?Wifredo Lam's works sell for between €10 and €7,300,480, depending on the medium and the period. Oil-on-canvas works command the highest prices (up to €7,300,480), while ceramics and prints range from €10 to €12,160. This wide range reflects the varying significance of the works and their demand in the collectors’ market.
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How can a work attributed to Wifredo Lam be authenticated?We recommend having your artwork appraised by qualified professionals, as not all of Wifredo Lam’s works are signed. Auctie’s offers a free, no-obligation appraisal by state-certified experts and auctioneers, who will assess the authenticity and value of your item.
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Is this the right time to sell a work by Wifredo Lam?Yes, now is a good time to sell a work by Wifredo Lam. The artist enjoys a high and stable market value, with sustained demand from private collectors and institutions. Market trends remain favorable for this type of high-quality surrealist work.
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How does the appraisal process work at Auctie's?Appraisals at Auctie's are free and non-binding. Simply fill out an online form with information and photos of your artwork. An expert or certified auctioneer from our team will contact you to provide an accurate assessment of the current market value. If you decide to sell, we’ll then guide you through the best strategy to get the highest possible price.
