Jasper Johns Prints: The importance of condition

by Robert Grunder

The Importance of Condition and Transparency in the Jasper Johns Print Market

The condition of Jasper Johns prints is a critical factor in preserving aesthetic and historical integrity. Condition issues such as mat stains, scuffs, tears, paper loss, foxing and faded colors can significantly diminish visual impact, collectibility and market appreciation. In addition, some art dealers and auction houses falsely describe flawed prints in "good" or "excellent" condition despite actual evidence to the contrary.

As a result collectors should be cautious of misleading condition reports. In many cases Jasper Johns prints that have obvious condition issues have nonetheless achieved unexplained strong realized auction prices, raising concerns about transparency and ethics of some auction sellers.

Transparency is paramount. Dealers and auction houses who provide accurate, objective condition reports, even when revealing flaws, play a critical role in preserving long-term value and legacy of Jasper Johns prints. Print collectors are encouraged to seek out art sellers committed to integrity recognizing accurate condition assessments is critical in the fine art market.

Significantly attenuated & discolored #JasperJohns Target color screenprint (ULAE 147), 1974, ed. 60/70 achieved $254K @Sothebys 11/16/2023.

View side by side @Sothebys faded impression vs museum quality impression available @JKLFA.https://t.co/HgQKXYnItT pic.twitter.com/SbWmMUWwKs

— Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd. (@JKLFA) November 18, 2023

Jasper Johns Target, 1974 (ULAE 147) Edition 60/70
Despite notable discoloration, a significantly faded impression of Jasper Johns Target, 1974 (ULAE 147) color screenprint achieved $254,000 at Sotheby’s New York, November 16, 2023. ​ 

#JasperJohns Savarin 3 Red, 1978 color lithograph, edition 29/40 achieved $31,500 @ChristiesInc 4/20/2023 even though the impression lacks the rich red, crimson & pink colors as originally published. https://t.co/qeFX2xZZ9k pic.twitter.com/yrygnfw7ho— Jasper Johns Prints (@JohnsPrints) April 20, 2023

Jasper Johns Savarin 3 (Red), 1978, Edition 29/40

Jasper Johns Savarin 3, 1978, color lithograph, lacking the vibrant crimson and pink tones originally intended by the Artist, fetched $31,500 at Christie’s, April 20, 2023.

#JasperJohns 1979 Target with Four Faces (ULAE 203), 1979 edition 63/88, fetches $53,312 @bonhams1793 3/29/2022 despite irreversible severe yellowed mat staining.https://t.co/47f9wDmfNp pic.twitter.com/s7PcmHQL0m

— Jasper Johns Prints (@JohnsPrints) March 30, 2022

Jasper Johns Target with Four Faces (ULAE 203), 1979, Edition 63/88

With severe yellowed mat staining, Jasper Johns Target With Four Faces, 1979 (ULAE 203) etching and aquatint sold for $53,312 at Bonhams on March 29, 2022.

Although incorrectly described "in good condition", an extremely faded impression of #JasperJohns The Dutch Wives,1977 color screenprint, edition number 35/70, exceeded low pre-sale estimate, achieving $25,200 @Sothebys 10/22/2020.https://t.co/oLX0sCn9BC pic.twitter.com/Ti4erwjNV9

— Jasper Johns Prints (@JohnsPrints) October 23, 2020

Jasper Johns The Dutch Wives (ULAE 187), 1977, Edition 35/70
Described as in “good condition” despite extreme fading Jasper Johns The Dutch Wives, 1977 (ULAE 187) screenprint achieved $25,200 at Sotheby’s, October 22, 2020. 

Fine art buyers should be wary of online listings by art sellers and auction firms where images are digitally enhanced. Deceptive art sellers often boost color saturation and contrast so faded prints appear more vibrant thereby concealing and minimizing apparent condition flaws. 

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