Philip Wilson Steer Auction Prices and Value Guide
Philip Wilson Steer auction prices are tracked in Appraisily's artist market index, with source-directory coverage of 337 records. Use this page to review sold-lot activity, market context, and valuation factors before requesting a formal appraisal.
Philip Wilson Steer auction prices: quick answer
Philip Wilson Steer auction prices depend on medium, size, date, condition, provenance, edition details, attribution confidence, and recent comparable auction sales.
- Artist
- Philip Wilson Steer
- Source records
- 337
- Market update
- 2026-02-16
Artist context
About Philip Wilson Steer
Philip Wilson Steer (1860–1942) was a British painter whose luminous seascapes and landscapes made him one of the foremost figures of the Impressionist movement in Britain. His early coastal scenes captured fleeting effects of light and atmosphere with a spontaneity that was unusual in British painting at the time. In later decades Steer adopted a more traditional English landscape style, drawing on the influence of Constable and Turner. For many years he taught painting at the Slade School of Art in London, where he mentored generations of young British artists. Steer's work is held in major public collections including the Tate, which maintains a significant representation of his paintings, and his career is documented in the RKD, Getty ULAN, and other leading art-historical authorities.
British ImpressionismEnglish landscape tradition (influenced by Constable and Turner)Oil paintingLandscapesSeascapes and coastal scenesPortraitsFigure studies
Common works and media
Steer's output primarily consists of oil-on-canvas paintings. His most recognised works are seascapes and coastal scenes, often set at English seaside locations, alongside landscape paintings of the British countryside. He also produced informal portraits and figure studies throughout his career. Works on paper, including drawings, occasionally appear at auction. Steer is not known for print editions; his market is dominated by unique painted works.
Market and appraisal context
With over 330 recorded auction lots, Philip Wilson Steer's work appears regularly on the secondary market through major and regional auction houses. His Impressionist-period seascapes and coastal oil paintings are generally the most sought after, while later works in the traditional English landscape style tend to achieve lower results. Key valuation factors include the period and subject of the painting, medium and support, scale, provenance, exhibition history, and condition. Attribution is an important consideration: Steer's long tenure at the Slade School means works by his pupils sometimes surface without clear distinction. Specialist catalogue or expert review is recommended for attribution confirmation.
Auction categories and appraisal factors
Value drivers
- Period: Impressionist-phase coastal and landscape paintings are considered Steer's most significant work
- Subject matter: seascapes and coastal scenes from the Impressionist period are particularly notable
- Medium and scale: oil on canvas works are the primary medium; size and condition affect value
- Provenance and exhibition history: works with documented Tate or institutional exhibition records carry stronger attribution
Appraisal caveats
- Steer's later traditional English landscape works may be less sought after than his Impressionist-period paintings.
- As a long-serving Slade School of Art tutor, many works by his students circulate; attribution should be confirmed through published catalogues or specialist review.
- Over 330 auction lots are recorded, indicating a broad range of quality and value; individual appraisal requires lot-specific examination.
Evidence
Sources for artist context
This source-grounded artist context passed Appraisily's promotion threshold: high confidence, strong sources.
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 Philip Wilson Steer 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 Philip Wilson Steer artwork?
Yes. Appraisily can review photos, dimensions, signatures, condition, provenance, and comparable market data to prepare a current valuation.