Buying Iconic Jasper Johns Prints: An Insider's Guide

As an art enthusiast, you may have heard about the enduring appeal of Jasper Johns prints. For decades, iconic Jasper Johns limited editions have captivated collectors and critics alike, and for good reason. Jasper Johns is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important Artists of the 20th Century. A master print-maker, Jasper Johns prints are highly sought after by those who appreciate the depth and complexity of his artistic vision.

At Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd., we have extensive experience buying and selling Jasper Johns prints. Before establishing our gallery, our founder, Joseph K. Levene, served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Petersburg Press, Inc., the esteemed international publisher of limited editions by numerous Post-War and Contemporary Master Artists, including Jasper Johns, Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, James Rosenquist, David Hockney, Howard Hodgkin, Jim Dine, Claes Oldenburg, Francesco Clemente and many others.

When it comes to acquiring Jasper Johns prints, it is essential to prioritize condition and authenticity. At our gallery, we don't buy or sell any Jasper Johns print that has been cleaned, over-matted, foxed, faded, cut down, or light-stained, no matter how much of a bargain it may seem. We recognize that when buying Jasper Johns prints, image selection and condition have significant importance; we are committed to providing our clients with only the highest-quality, authentic Jasper Johns prints.

One of the first things to look for when purchasing a Jasper Johns print is whether the impression is signed, numbered and dated by the Artist. Jasper Johns is meticulous about all aspects of printmaking and that includes the respective documentation. Accordingly, the documentation of the Jasper Johns print you are considering should be consistent with the documentation detailed in the Jasper Johns Catalogue of Prints by Richard Axsom. Don't fall for fraudulent sellers who claim to sell a signed Jasper Johns print when the documentation in the official Jasper Johns Catalogue Raisonné of Prints indicates Johns didn't sign and number any of the impressions in that edition. Chances are the seller is NOT to be trusted, as all Jasper Johns documentation is deliberate and controlled.

For instance, currently there is an eBay seller offering a fraudulent pencil signed impression of Jasper Johns Summer Green, 1985-91; this seller doesn't include close-ups. Most of the listed documentation on eBay appears correct except the Jasper Johns Catalogue Raisonne clearly establishes the entire edition is unsigned. Printed by ULAE in an edition of 3000 impressions, the seller alleges, like many of his other listings, that the provenance is Hatay Stratton Fine Art, who passed away in 2009. This is a close-up of the purported Jasper Johns pencil signature and date: 

Savvy Jasper Johns collectors will instantly recognize this purported pencil signature is fraudulent; however, the $850. price may entice unknowledgeable buyers who will ultimately learn the print is worthless and not collectible.

If you are considering buying a Jasper Johns print, all details should fully correspond to the respective documentation detailed in the Jasper Johns Catalogue Raisonné of Prints by Richard Field; NO exceptions. 

Jasper Johns Target (ULAE 147), 1974, 27 color screenprint on J.B. Green paper

A master printmaker since 1960, Jasper Johns Target, (ULAE 147), 1974 color screenprint from 27 screens, is one of the Artist's most iconic prints; without question, considered an iconic and important example from his Target series. Technically, Jasper Johns Target, (ULAE 147), 1974 color screenprint has the complexity of Jasper Johns unique encaustic works on canvas which have a rich depth or layering. In Target, 1974 Jasper Johns has mastered the screenprint technique utilizing 27 color screens that mimic the layering achieved in his encaustic paintings.

Stunning visually, Jasper Johns Target, (ULAE 147), 1974 is among the most complex screenprints the Artist has created over seven decades. Jasper Johns Target, (ULAE 147), 1974 is so successfully created, this masterful limited edition screenprint resembles a unique work on paper, right down to the multiple drips of paint which is why it appeals to both print and painting collectors.

Jasper Johns iconic Target is one of the images that initially brought Jasper Johns International fame, repeatedly reproduced in the last half century. Jasper Johns Target Four Faces, 1955, encaustic on newspaper and cloth over canvas surmounted by four tinted-plaster faces in wood box with hinged front, now in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art and Jasper Johns Target, 1961, now in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago, are each painted in encaustic, an ancient tradition requiring heating wax, brushing it on evenly as one would frost a cake. These paintings are so famous they have become International icons for American Post War Art. 

Jasper Johns, Target, 1961, Collection The Art Institute of Chicago, Sold in 1989 by Joseph K. Levene

Before Joseph K. Levene established Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd., he was President & Chief Operating Officer, Petersburg Press, Inc. In 1989, Joseph K. Levene was privileged to sell the aforementioned Jasper Johns Target, 1961, encaustic on canvas, to a private Japanese collector, who a decade later, sold it to the late Stefan T. Edlis, who together with his wife, Gael Neeson, donated this Jasper Johns masterpiece to The Art Institute of Chicago.

Over the last four decades, multiple impressions of Jasper Johns Target, (ULAE 147), 1974 have been included in numerous Jasper Johns museum retrospectives including Jasper Johns: A Print Retrospective, the 1986 Print Retrospective at The Museum of Modern Art, curated by the legendary Riva Castleman featuring 175 Jasper Johns lithographs, screenprints, etchings and monotypes.

Jasper Johns Target, 1974, installation Jasper Johns: A Print Retrospective,The Museum of Modern Art, New York, May 19, 1986–August 19, 1986. 

Subsequently an impression of Jasper Johns Target, 1974 was one of 90 prints included in An Art of Changes: Jasper Johns Prints, 1960-2018., a 2019-2022 five venue traveling exhibition organized by the Walker Art Center:

Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, October 12, 2019-January 20, 2020
Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, February 16, 2020-January 3, 2021
Tampa Art Museum, Florida, April 28, 2021-September 5, 2021
Grand Rapids Art Museum, Michigan, October 2, 2021-January 9, 2022
Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill, New York, April 23, 2022-July 10, 2022

An auction world record  of $415,800 was achieved when an impression of Jasper Johns Target, (ULAE 147), 1974, consigned by the estate of Paul G. Allen was sold at Christie's New York, November 10, 2022.

Jasper Johns Target,1974, Sold $415,800, Auction World Record, Estate of Paul G. Allen, Christie's New York, November 10, 2022.

A recognized Jasper Johns authority, Joseph K. Levene Fine, Art, Ltd. has sold several Jasper Johns Target (ULAE 147) impressions to discerning private collectors. Joseph K.Levene Fine Art, Ltd. currently has a museum quality Jasper Johns Target (ULAE 147), 1974 impression from the regular numbered edition of 70 that was acquired from Mathew Marks Gallery, New York. In pristine condition; in museum quality, the impression is floated in archival aluminum frame with optium museum glazing created by Bark Frameworks, New York. With particularly vibrant and fresh colors, this screenprint has full margins and no condition issues, making it an extraordinary acquisition opportunity.

As an insider in the world of Jasper Johns prints, I can attest to the enduring value and aesthetic appeal of Jasper Johns series of limited edition works. Jasper Johns prints are relatively affordable compared to the 7-figure plus prices of Jasper Johns' unique works on paper and paintings. If carefully selected and curated Jasper Johns prints are undoubtedly a worthy investment opportunity. By prioritizing condition and authenticity, and selecting impressions from Jasper Johns most iconic series, it is possible to assemble a Jasper Johns print collection that will not only bring joy but also will most likely appreciate.

The Importance of Condition in Jasper Johns Prints

When it comes to buying and collecting Jasper Johns prints, condition is everything; simply put, condition cannot be ignored. Slight imperfections, such as faded colors and/or light stains can significantly compromise value and collectibility. That's why at Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd., we are highly selective about the Jasper Johns prints we acquire and sell.

We understand that Jasper Johns prints are not only stunning aesthetically but must be without condition flaws to remain collectible. As such, we refuse to buy or sell any Jasper Johns print that has been previously cleaned, over-matted, foxed, faded, cut down, or light-stained even if bargain priced. We believe that these condition issues can significantly impede long-term appreciation. 

Iconic Jasper Johns Print Series

Jasper Johns is renowned for his iconic limited print series, which have become highly sought after by International art collectors and museums. At Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd., we specialize in acquiring and selling prints from Jasper Johns' most iconic series, including Targets, Numbers, Savarin, Crosshatch, Seasons, Maps, Flags and Postcards.