Rating and value of paintings, sculptures and drawings by Hans Bellmer

Rating and value of paintings, sculptures and drawings by Hans Bellmer

Key takeaways

  • Hans Bellmer's market value has been rising steadily since 2000, with his works selling for between €10 (prints) and €190,000 (sculptures).
  • His surrealist drawings and paintings are particularly sought after, with estimates reaching €137,740 for his paintings.
  • A German surrealist artist (1902–1975), Bellmer is known for his sculptures of articulated dolls that explore human anatomy and sexuality.

If you own a work by the artist Hans Bellmer or based on his work 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

Famous and highly-rated during his lifetime, Hans Ballmer soon enjoyed great success on both the European and American markets. Since the 2000s, his value has continued to rise. The artist has thus established himself as a sure bet on the world art market. His most prized works are his surrealist sketches in gouache or pencil, as well as his paintings. Thus, a work signed Hans Bellmer can sell for thousands of euros at auction, as evidenced by his sculpture La toupie, dating from 1938, sold for €190,000 in 2014 while it was estimated at between €60,000 and €80,000. 

Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious

Technique used

Result

Estamp - multiple

From €10 to €13,120

Paintings

From €1,500 to €137,740

Drawing - watercolor

From €140 to €138,450

Sculpture - volume

From €1,070 to €190,000

Photography

From €130 to €240,100

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The artist's style and technique

Hans Bellmer's works are characterized by organic and often abstract compositions, exploring aspects of the unconscious, dreams and eroticism.

The artist used a variety of techniques, from oil painting to lithography and sculpture, giving a textured and experimental dimension to his work. His art testifies to a great spontaneity with a blend of shapes and colors.

Hans Bellmer, lithographie

Hans Bellmer's career

Hans Bellmer (1902-1975), was a 20th-century German Surrealist artist.

He is best known for his sculptures, photographs and drawings that explore themes of human anatomy, sexuality and the psyche. He was born in 1902 and grew up in Germany. His work is often provocative and disturbing, challenging social conventions and exploring the dark and complex aspects of human existence. Bellmer is particularly famous for his artificial dolls, sculptures of deformed, articulated female bodies that provoked much controversy in their day. His works have influenced many contemporary artists and continue to be studied and exhibited in museums around the world. 

Hans Bellmer's imprint on his time

Recognized as one of the most important artists of his movement, Hans Bellmer has received numerous distinctions for his work.

Leaving behind a significant artistic legacy, he is considered a great master of Surrealist art. His works are highly prized at auction and sought after by many collectors.

His signature

Not all of Hans Bellmer's works are signed.

Although there are variations, here's a first example of his signature:

Signature de Hans Bellmer

Expertise your property

If you happen to own a work by or after Hans Bellmer, don't hesitate to request a free valuation by filling in our form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the value of your work, as well as any relevant information about it. If you are planning to sell your work, our specialists will also work with you to find alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account the inclinations of the market and its specificities.

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Frequently asked questions

  • Who is Hans Bellmer, and what is his artistic background?
    Hans Bellmer (1902–1975) was a 20th-century German surrealist artist, famous for his sculptures, photographs, and drawings exploring human anatomy, sexuality, and the psyche. He is particularly known for his artificial dolls with distorted, articulated forms, which challenged the social conventions of his time. Recognized as one of the masters of the Surrealist movement, his legacy continues to influence contemporary artists, and his works are sought after by collectors around the world.
  • What are the market prices for Hans Bellmer's works based on their medium?
    Prices vary significantly depending on the medium: prints sell for between €10 and €13,120, paintings between €1,500 and €137,740, drawings and watercolors between €140 and €138,450, sculptures between €1,070 and €190,000 (such as his sculpture *La toupie*, which sold for €190,000 in 2014), and photographs between €130 and €240,100. The artist’s market value has been steadily rising since the 2000s, confirming his status as a safe bet on the global art market.
  • How can you authenticate a work by Hans Bellmer?
    To authenticate a work by Hans Bellmer, we recommend that you request a free appraisal from our state-certified experts and auctioneers. Simply fill out our online form, and a member of our team will contact you to provide an accurate estimate of your artwork’s value, with no obligation. Our appraisal takes into account the specific characteristics of the work, including its signature (which may vary from piece to piece) and its authentication.
  • Is this the right time to sell a work by Hans Bellmer?
    Yes, now is a good time to sell a work by Hans Bellmer. Since the 2000s, his market value has risen steadily, and he has established himself as a safe bet on the global art market, with strong demand from collectors. His surrealist compositions—particularly his gouache and pencil sketches, as well as his paintings—are especially sought after at auction.
  • How does the appraisal and sale of a work of art take place at Auctie's?
    The appraisal is free and non-binding: fill out our online form, and our experts will contact you to appraise your artwork within 48 hours. If you decide to sell, our licensed auctioneers will guide you through the process from appraisal to auction, exploring the best options to achieve the optimal price based on market trends and the specific characteristics of your item.