John Hultberg Auction Prices and Value Guide
John Hultberg auction prices are tracked in Appraisily's artist market index, with source-directory coverage of 293 records. Use this page to review sold-lot activity, market context, and valuation factors before requesting a formal appraisal.
John Hultberg auction prices: quick answer
John Hultberg auction prices depend on medium, size, date, condition, provenance, edition details, attribution confidence, and recent comparable auction sales.
- Artist
- John Hultberg
- Source records
- 293
- Market update
- 2026-02-06
Artist context
About John Hultberg
John Hultberg (1922–2005) was an American painter associated with Abstract Expressionism, Abstract Realism, and the Bay Area Figurative Movement. Born in Berkeley, California, he studied at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco during the late 1940s, a period when the Bay Area was a major center for postwar American painting. Hultberg's work is characterized by a distinctive blend of abstract structure and recognizable imagery—dreamlike landscapes, architectural forms, and stark spatial compositions that set him apart from purely non-objective peers. His paintings are held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and he was active as a lecturer and playwright alongside his studio practice. He died in Manhattan on April 15, 2005.
Abstract ExpressionismAbstract RealismBay Area Figurative Movementpaintinglandscape and architectural imagery
Common works and media
Hultberg primarily produced oil paintings on canvas and works on paper. His known titles include landscapes with architectural elements, stark horizon compositions, and abstracted urban or industrial scenes. Works such as The Black Flag, Control Tower, and After De Chirico reflect his interest in structured, atmospheric space. Collectors may also encounter smaller works on paper, prints, and drawings. Medium, dimensions, date of execution, and signature should be verified against gallery or auction records when attributing a work.
Market and appraisal context
John Hultberg's paintings appear regularly at auction, with nearly 300 recorded lots across major and regional houses. His work spans several decades and stylistic phases, so appraisal value depends heavily on the period, size, medium, and provenance of each piece. Works connected to his Bay Area Figurative period or his more structured Abstract Realist compositions tend to attract stronger collector interest. MoMA's institutional holding adds credibility to his market profile. As with many mid-career Abstract Expressionist-era painters, results can vary widely; comparable auction records, condition reports, and exhibition history should be consulted for any individual appraisal.
Auction categories and appraisal factors
Common auction categories
- Post-War and Contemporary Art
- American Paintings
Value drivers
- Institutional representation: MoMA holds work in its permanent collection
- Association with Bay Area Figurative Movement and Abstract Expressionism broadens collector interest
- With 293 documented auction appearances, Hultberg has a substantial secondary-market track record
- Provenance, condition, size, and period of execution are key factors in auction valuation
Appraisal caveats
- No single catalogue raisonné was found in the source pack; attribution and completeness of known works should be verified against museum and gallery records.
- Movement and stylistic claims are primarily sourced from Wikipedia; museum and authority records confirm identity but not specific movement affiliation in detail.
Evidence
Sources for artist context
This source-grounded artist context passed Appraisily's promotion threshold: high confidence, strong sources.
- Wikidata library authority
- Wikipedia wikipedia
- Getty Vocabulary Program library authority
- VIAF library authority
- Library of Congress library authority
- The Museum of Modern Art museum or university
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.
Artist value FAQ
How much is John Hultberg 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 John Hultberg artwork?
Yes. Appraisily can review photos, dimensions, signatures, condition, provenance, and comparable market data to prepare a current valuation.