Two iconic prints—Willem de Kooning’s gestural abstraction and Roy Lichtenstein’s political Pop—anchor Bonhams’ May 22 Prints & Multiples sale, offering collectors museum-caliber works with cultural resonance and historical weight.
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a piece of art history, now’s your chance. Bonhams New York hosted its highly anticipated Prints & Multiples sale, featuring a curated selection of works that bridge the gap between gallery walls and personal collections. From Rashid Johnson’s politically charged Thurgood in the House of Chaos to Pablo Picasso’s enigmatic Le grand hibou, this auction is a rare opportunity to engage with the work of celebrated artists—without the velvet rope.
The lineup reads like a roll call of modern and contemporary legends: Willem de Kooning’s Paris Review (1979) channels post-war abstraction with raw elegance, while Roy Lichtenstein’s Against Apartheid (1983) delivers pop art with a punch of activism. Each piece is estimated between $3,000 and $18,000, making this sale not only culturally rich but surprisingly accessible.
What makes this auction especially timely is its alignment with current exhibitions. Collectors and enthusiasts can deepen their engagement with artists whose work is already making waves in museums and galleries. Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or a curious newcomer, Bonhams’ specialists are available to guide you through the nuances of the prints and multiples market—from provenance to bidding strategy.
Paris Review, 1979
Offset lithograph in colors on wove paper, signed in pencil and
numbered 1/200, published by Paris Review, New York, with
full margins.
23 x 29 1/8in (58.4 x 74cm)
sheet 28 x 34 1/8in (71.1 x 86.7cm)
Estimate: $3,000-5,000
Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997)
Against Apartheid (Corlett 200), 1983
Lithograph in colors on Arches paper, signed in pencil, dated
and annotated ‘AP 15/30’ (an artist’s proof, aside from the
edition of 100), co-published by the artist and Galerie
Maeght-Lelong, Paris, for the benefit of Artists of the World
against Apartheid, in cooperation with the United Nations
Special Committee against Apartheid, printed by Atelier
Lelong, Paris, with full margins.
30 9/16 x 23 5/8in (77.6 x 59.9cm)
sheet 33 1/2 x 23 5/8in (85.1 x 60cm)
Estimate: $10,000-15,000
This wasn’t just an auction—it was an invitation to own a slice of the art world’s most compelling narratives.
In this StyleLujo.com exclusive, Editor Joseph DeAcetis engages in a timely conversation with Matthew Stavro, Associate Specialist of Prints & Multiples at Bonhams New York, to explore the strategy and storytelling behind their recent May sale. Featuring works by modern and contemporary icons like Rashid Johnson, Roy Lichtenstein, and Pablo Picasso, this curated auction aligns with current museum exhibitions while offering collectors unprecedented access to powerful imagery and historical relevance—at approachable price points. Stavro sheds light on the pulse of the market, the role of rarity, and why prints and multiples continue to be an essential entryway into the world of fine art. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, this interview offers sharp insight into how Bonhams is shaping the future of collecting.
Joseph DeAcetis: Bonhams’ recent May Prints & Multiples sale featured a fascinating mix of prints from established artists like Rashid Johnson and Pablo Picasso. Can you share how this collection was curated?
Matthew Stavro: With every sale, our goal is to consistently source works from both Modern and Contemporary artists, all while aligning our auctions with relevant and current exhibitions happening in New York and globally. This strategic approach enables collectors who frequent major exhibitions to also engage with works by the same artists at auction—offering them the opportunity to acquire pieces on the art scene at more accessible price points.
For instance, Rashid Johnson’s exhibition at the Guggenheim this spring made it an ideal moment to feature a few of his works at an approachable price point. Given that, the two Johnson works featured within our May sale—Untitled and Thurgood in the House of Chaos—performed well, achieving $3,600 and $5,350 respectively.
At Bonhams, we have deep expertise in Modern prints, which naturally includes artists like Pablo Picasso. As we’ve seen, Picasso’s prints and ceramics have not only increased in demand and value over the years, but they also offer immense depth into his artistic practice, making the recent inclusion of his works fitting and purposeful.
Joseph DeAcetis: Many of these prints, including works by Rashid Johnson and Pablo Picasso, aligned with current ongoing New York art exhibitions. Could you provide insight into why these particular pieces were included and their significance? Also, how do you see this sale contributing to broader engagement with celebrated artists beyond traditional museum or gallery settings?
Matthew Stavro: As mentioned, it was a conscious decision to include Rashid Johnson prints to align with his current New York exhibition—to give prospective and seasoned collectors the chance to own a relevant artist’s work for an approachable price. The two pieces we featured—Untitled, a soft-ground etching echoing Johnson’s Anxious Man series, and Thurgood in the House of Chaos, a photolithograph—explore emotional vulnerability and shared human experience. The gun scope imagery in Thurgood reflects themes visible in one of Johnson’s sculptural installations currently outside the Guggenheim.
One of the most compelling aspects of auction is its public accessibility. Our galleries are free to attend, and our specialists are always available to discuss the works in depth. We invest time in researching each piece, and it’s incredibly rewarding to share that with both new and experienced collectors.
By offering artworks simultaneously featured in institutional exhibitions, we provide audiences the opportunity not just to view these works, but to acquire them—bridging the gap between public appreciation and private ownership.
Thurgood in the House of Chaos, from America America, 2009
Photolithograph on wove paper, signed in pencil on the reverse,
dated and numbered 25/50, published by Exit Art, New York,
the full sheet.
sheet 29 5/8 x 22in (75.2 x 55.9cm)
Estimate: $3,000-5,000
This print shows the artist dressed as Thurgood Marshall, the first African American
Supreme Court Justice, overlaid with a graffiti-style set of shooter’s crosshairs. Using an
image of himself, Rashid Johnson thereby questions the notion of judicial progress for
present-day African Americans from the landmark Civil Rights-era decisions Marshall
oversaw, including Brown v. Board of Education (1954).
Currently on view in front of the Guggenheim New York, is Johnson’s outdoor 2008
sculpture, Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos, a large sculpture with gun scope references.
This work is included in Johnson’s major solo exhibition, Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep
Thinkers on view through January 18, 2026.
Joseph DeAcetis: The estimates for these works vary widely—from $3,000 to upwards of $120,000. What should collectors consider when navigating the prints and multiples market?
Matthew Stavro: Prints are a fantastic entry point for new collectors, offering access to important artists at more approachable price points than unique works. That said, it’s essential to research an artist’s market specifically for prints, which can differ greatly from their originals market. Always trust the source you’re buying from, ask questions, and view as much work as possible. Collecting is a journey—taste evolves. The more you see, the more informed and confident you’ll become.
Joseph DeAcetis: If someone is new to collecting prints and multiples, what advice would you give them to start their journey? And how does Bonhams help guide collectors in making informed purchases?
Matthew Stavro: Buy what you love. Art should be something you live with and enjoy—not just store away. Always request a condition report and additional images before bidding. Attending previews is incredibly valuable; seeing works in person can change your perception entirely.
At Bonhams, we encourage new collectors to ask questions and engage with our specialists. We’re here to guide and educate throughout the process, making collecting both enjoyable and informed.
Joseph DeAcetis: What role does rarity play in determining the value and appeal of prints in the market? What about a work like Pablo Picasso’s Le grand hibou, which sold for $16,640, or Roy Lichtenstein’s Landscape with Poet, which sold for $108,450?
Matthew Stavro: Rarity plays a significant role in determining value—especially in prints where edition size, condition, and provenance are key factors. We study previous auction results carefully when setting estimates, but condition can dramatically impact value even within the same edition.
Provenance is also crucial. Works from prominent collections—like Landscape with Poet, which once belonged to Los Angeles collector Michael Ovitz—carry prestige and often command higher prices. In this case, the print more than doubled its intended estimate.
Le grand hibou (Bloch 517; Mourlot 110), 1948
Lithograph on Arches paper, signed in pencil, a proof aside
from the edition of 50 (there were also 5 artist’s proofs), with
full margins, framed.
26 1/2 x 20 5/8in (67.4 x52.4cm)
sheet 29 7/8 x 22in (75.9 x 55.9cm)
Estimate: $12,000-18,000
Joseph DeAcetis: Could you elaborate on how Bonhams selects works that resonate with both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the prints and multiples market?
Matthew Stavro: We stay attuned to market trends by regularly attending museum exhibitions, art fairs, and gallery shows. This allows us to gauge what’s resonating with collectors and ensures our sales include works that appeal to a wide audience—from seasoned connoisseurs to first-time buyers. Our goal is to offer something for everyone, guided by quality and relevance.
Landscape with Poet (Corlett 303), 1996
Lithograph and screenprint in colors on Lanaquarelle watercolor paper,
signed in pencil, dated and numbered ‘SP 5/6’ (a special proof, aside from
the edition of 60), with the blindstamp and inkstamp on the reverse of the
publisher/printer, Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles, with full margins, framed.
83 7/8 x 30in (213 x 76.2cm)
sheet 90 1/4 x 36 1/8in (229.2 x 91.8cm)
Estimate: $50,000 – 70,000
Between 1994 and 1997, Lichtenstein painted his last major
series, Landscapes in the Chinese Style. Primarily interested in Song
Dynasty (960-1279 C.E.) paintings, known for their classical naturalism,
Lichtenstein set himself the improbable task of melding his brash Pop style
with contemplative ink paintings by, in some cases, 10th century scholar-
officials who portrayed monumental landscapes as personal expressions of
a well-ordered cosmic hierarchy.
This print has surfaced fewer than a dozen times in the last 25 years at auction, and comes
from the world-class collection of powerhouse Los Angeles art collectors, Michael and
Judy Ovitz.
Joseph DeAcetis: How does Bonhams ensure that collectors have access to expert insights and resources to make confident purchasing decisions?
Matthew Stavro: We pride ourselves on a rigorous inspection and research process. Every piece is physically unframed and examined by our team, allowing us to provide detailed condition reports and confidently stand behind each work. Our specialists are constantly learning—visiting galleries, museums, and fairs to stay informed. Many of us have hands-on experience in studio art or printmaking, which enriches our understanding and enables us to explain techniques and nuances clearly to clients.
This layered, educational approach is part of why our collectors feel supported and empowered every step of the way.
The Art of Bold Harmony: Where Vision Meets Value
In a world where art and fashion often flirt from afar, Les Fulgureuses proves that true brilliance happens when they collide with purpose. The partnership between Kevin Germanier and Caran d’Ache isn’t merely a collaboration—it’s a shared manifesto for creativity, sustainability, and innovation. With every shimmering detail and curated stroke, this collection invites us to reimagine luxury as something both intimate and radical—a celebration of self-expression that is as bold as it is beautifully considered.
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