Barthel Beham Auction Prices and Value Guide

Barthel Beham auction prices are tracked in Appraisily's artist market index, with source-directory coverage of 288 records. Use this page to review sold-lot activity, market context, and valuation factors before requesting a formal appraisal.

Barthel Beham auction prices: quick answer

Barthel Beham auction prices depend on medium, size, date, condition, provenance, edition details, attribution confidence, and recent comparable auction sales.

Artist
Barthel Beham
Source records
288
Market update
2026-02-06

Artist context

About Barthel Beham

Barthel Beham (1502–1540) was a German painter, engraver, miniaturist, and draftsperson born in Nuremberg. Active during the first half of the sixteenth century, he is recognized for small-scale copperplate engravings and portrait miniatures of notable refinement. He was the younger brother of Sebald Beham, himself a prominent printmaker, and both brothers worked within the artistic environment of Renaissance Nuremberg. Beham served as a court painter and produced engravings on religious, mythological, and allegorical themes that circulated widely across Central Europe. His career was brief—he died in Bologna in 1540, likely in his late thirties—yet his output left a lasting mark on German printmaking. Collectors today most often encounter his work through his engravings, which appear regularly in Old Master print auctions and museum print rooms.

German Renaissanceengraving (printmaking)paintingminiature paintingdrawingportraitsreligious subjectsmythological subjects

Common works and media

Barthel Beham is most commonly represented in collections and at auction by small copperplate engravings on religious, mythological, and allegorical subjects, as well as portrait prints and portrait miniatures. Drawings in pen, ink, and wash are less frequent but do appear. Painted works attributed to him are comparatively rare on the open market.

Market and appraisal context

Barthel Beham's works appear on the market primarily as small-scale copperplate engravings and, less frequently, as drawings or paintings. For appraisal purposes, impression quality, plate wear, paper condition, and provenance are key factors. Early, sharp impressions on good paper command stronger results than later, worn states. Attribution can be complicated by the close stylistic relationship between Barthel and his brother Sebald Beham; specialist connoisseurship is often required. Comparable auction records from Old Master print sales provide the most reliable valuation benchmarks.

Auction categories and appraisal factors

Common auction categories

  • Old Master Prints
  • Old Master Drawings

Value drivers

  1. Impression quality and plate condition significantly affect value for engravings
  2. Small-scale format works (engravings, miniatures) are the most commonly encountered category
  3. Attribution should consider proximity to the Nuremberg circle and potential workshop assistance

Appraisal caveats

  • Distinguishing Barthel Beham's work from that of his brother Sebald Beham requires specialist knowledge; misattribution between the brothers is common
  • Limited museum-grade market data in the source pack; auction valuation guidance should reference comparable Old Master print sale records

Evidence

Sources for artist context

This source-grounded artist context passed Appraisily's promotion threshold: high confidence, strong sources.

Source-grounded artist Markdown

Data basis

This page is built from Appraisily's public auction market index. Private transactions, incomplete sale feeds, and attribution changes may not be fully represented.

LLM-readable Markdown summary for Barthel Beham

LLM summary index · LLM full index

Artist value FAQ

How much is Barthel Beham worth?

Comparable public auction sales are the best starting point, but final value depends on the specific artwork, condition, size, medium, provenance, and attribution confidence.

Can Appraisily value my Barthel Beham artwork?

Yes. Appraisily can review photos, dimensions, signatures, condition, provenance, and comparable market data to prepare a current valuation.