Michail Larionov Auction Prices and Value Guide
Michail Larionov auction prices are tracked in Appraisily's artist market index, with source-directory coverage of 856 records. Use this page to review sold-lot activity, market context, and valuation factors before requesting a formal appraisal.
Michail Larionov auction prices: quick answer
Michail Larionov auction prices depend on medium, size, date, condition, provenance, edition details, attribution confidence, and recent comparable auction sales.
- Artist
- Michail Larionov
- Source records
- 856
- Market update
- 2026-02-06
Artist context
About Michail Larionov
Mikhail Fyodorovich Larionov (1881–1964) was a Russian-born painter, designer, and art theorist who became a central figure of the Russian avant-garde. Born in Tiraspol, Moldova, he studied at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, where he met his lifelong partner and collaborator, Natalia Goncharova. Larionov co-founded two influential exhibition groups—the Knave of Diamonds and the more radical Donkey's Tail—before developing Rayonism (Luchism) around 1912, an early abstract style exploring the interplay of reflected light rays. After leaving Russia, he and Goncharova settled in France and worked extensively with Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, creating celebrated stage and costume designs. He became a French citizen and continued working in Fontenay-aux-Roses until his death. Larionov's work is held by major institutions including the Museum of Modern Art, Tate, and the Tretyakov Gallery.
Russian Avant-GardeNeo-PrimitivismRayonism (Luchism)Oil paintingGouacheWatercolorGraphic works and printsAbstract compositions (Rayonist works)Russian folk and peasant lifeBallet and theatrical set designs
Common works and media
Collectors and appraisers most frequently encounter Larionov's oil paintings from his Neo-Primitivist and Rayonist periods, which depict folk scenes, soldiers, and abstract light compositions. Gouaches and watercolors, including theatrical set and costume designs for the Ballets Russes, are common at auction. Graphic works such as lithographs and illustrated books also appear. Subjects range from Russian rural life and military scenes to abstract rayonist explorations and ballet-related imagery. Works are variously signed Larionov, Larionoff, or Michel Larionov depending on the period and country of execution.
Market and appraisal context
Appraisily's auction-record index tracks 18 lots attributed to Michail Larionov spanning 1994 to 2025, of which 7 carry realized prices. Prices cluster in a low-to-moderate band: the interquartile range is approximately $100–$1,250 (USD), with a median of $280. A single outlier—the Sotheby's 1994 sale of an oil at $16,100—accounts for the ceiling. Most priced lots are graphic works, ephemera (Grand Bal tickets), and small-scale compositions sold through regional houses (Galerie Moenius, Winterberg-Kunst, JS Auktionen, Arthaz). Christie's appears four times, and Sotheby's once, indicating occasional blue-chip representation but limited liquidity at the top tier. No lots recorded in the most recent 12 months (two in the prior 12), suggesting thin current market activity. Key auction houses observed include Christie's, Sotheby's, Galerie Moenius, JS Auktionen, Winterberg-Kunst, Arthaz, Aste Bolaffi, Gregory's Casa d'Aste, Hauswedell-Nolte, Sala Retiro Subastas, and Shapiro Auctions LLC. The price distribution reflects that works coming to market are predominantly later-period graphic works, designs, and smaller pieces rather than the highly sought-after early Neo-Primitivist or Rayonist oils, which are scarce and typically held institutionally.
Auction categories and appraisal factors
Common auction categories
- Oil painting
- Gouache
- Watercolor
- Graphic works and prints
- Stage and costume design
Value drivers
- [object Object]
Appraisal caveats
- No public catalogue raisonné was available in the source pack; attribution should be verified against expert opinion
- The source pack did not include specific auction-house records or realized prices; market commentary is based on general category knowledge from institutional sources
- Some sources give alternate birth date of 1881-06-03 (AKLONLINE via RKD); the Library of Congress and Bénézit date of 1881-05-22 is more widely cited
- The auction-record sample is small (18 lots, 7 priced) and spans over 30 years. Statistical measures (median, quartiles) should be interpreted with caution given the low count and wide date range.
Evidence
Sources for artist context
This source-grounded artist context passed Appraisily's promotion threshold: high confidence, strong sources.
- Wikidata library authority
- Wikipedia wikipedia
- VIAF library authority
- Library of Congress library authority
- The Museum of Modern Art museum or university
- Tate 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 Michail Larionov 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 Michail Larionov artwork?
Yes. Appraisily can review photos, dimensions, signatures, condition, provenance, and comparable market data to prepare a current valuation.