Introduction to the Vincent Price Art Collection
The Vincent Price Art Collection represents a fascinating intersection of celebrity, commerce, and fine art democratization. From original pieces by Rembrandt and Picasso to works by emerging artists, Price’s curatorial vision created a collection that continues to intrigue collectors and command varying values in today’s market.
This comprehensive guide explores the history, components, and current value of items from the Vincent Price Collection, providing essential information for collectors, art enthusiasts, and those curious about this unique aspect of American cultural history.
Vincent Price Collection Quick Facts
The History of the Vincent Price Art Collection
Evolution of the Vincent Price Art Collection
- 1930s
Educational Foundation
Vincent Price develops his passion for art while studying art history at Yale University, laying the groundwork for his future as a collector. - 1950s
Personal Collection Growth
As his Hollywood career flourishes, Price begins building his personal art collection, becoming known in art circles as a serious and knowledgeable collector. - 1962
Sears Partnership Begins
Price partners with Sears to launch the "Vincent Price Collection of Fine Art," making original art accessible to middle-class Americans at department store prices. - 1960s
Collection Expansion
The collection grows to include thousands of works ranging from Rembrandt etchings to contemporary pieces by emerging artists, all personally selected by Price. - 1971
Sears Partnership Ends
After nearly a decade, the partnership with Sears concludes, having sold over 50,000 pieces of artwork to American households. - 1957-1993
East Los Angeles College Donations
Price donates 2,000+ pieces to East Los Angeles College, forming the core of what would become the Vincent Price Art Museum.
The Sears Collaboration: Art for America
The most famous chapter in the Vincent Price art collection story began in 1962 when Sears, Roebuck and Co. approached the actor to curate an ambitious fine art program. The retailer wanted to offer original artworks to middle-class Americans, making fine art accessible in a way never before attempted at such scale.
Price’s role went far beyond lending his name. He personally traveled throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas to select paintings, lithographs, etchings, and other works. His curatorial approach balanced artistic merit with accessibility, ensuring the collection included both established masters and promising contemporary artists.
As noted in Artists Network, the collection included works by Rembrandt, Chagall, Picasso, and Whistler alongside pieces by then-emerging artists. This democratic approach to art curation reflected Price’s belief that great art shouldn’t be restricted to museums and wealthy collectors.
Beyond Sears: The Vincent Price Art Museum
While the Sears collection represents his most widely known art venture, Price’s legacy as an art collector extends to the Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College. Beginning in 1957, Price donated over 2,000 pieces from his personal collection to the college, including significant pre-Columbian artifacts from cultures such as Anasazi, Chupicuaro, Mixtec, and Nazca.
This museum collection represents another dimension of Price’s artistic interests and his commitment to art education and accessibility. Today, the museum continues to preserve and showcase these pieces as part of its permanent collection.
Components of the Vincent Price Art Collection
Types of Artwork in the Collection
The Vincent Price Collection featured several distinct categories of artwork:
Old Master Prints and Etchings: Works by European masters like Rembrandt, Goya, and Dürer were available primarily as original etchings and engravings.
19th Century Prints: Lithographs and prints by artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec and Hiroshige provided accessible examples of important artistic movements.
Contemporary Paintings: Original works by mid-20th century artists constituted a significant portion of the collection, with particular focus on American and European painters.
Original Sculptures: Though less common than two-dimensional works, the collection included small sculptures and three-dimensional pieces.
Decorative Arts: Some functional art pieces, including designer items and craft works, were featured in the collection.
According to the Observer, Price’s collection offered these works at prices ranging from just $10 to $3,000, with payment plans available for as little as $5 per month—democratizing art ownership in unprecedented ways.
Identification Features
Pieces from the Vincent Price Collection typically share several identifying characteristics:
Vincent Price Collection Identification Markers
Check for these features when identifying potential Vincent Price Collection pieces
- 'Vincent Price Collection' label or certificate of authenticity
- Sears documentation or receipts (for Sears collection pieces)
- Date range between 1962-1971 (for Sears collection)
- Original frame with characteristic styling of the period
- Artist signature consistent with those promoted by Price
- Subject matter and style consistent with Price's aesthetic preferences
It’s important to note that not all pieces will display every marker, and authentication often requires expert evaluation, especially for higher-value works.
Current Market Value of Vincent Price Collection Items
Value Determinants
Several key factors influence the current market value of Vincent Price Collection pieces:
Artist Reputation: Works by recognized artists command significantly higher prices than those by lesser-known creators, regardless of their Vincent Price association.
Medium and Size: Original paintings typically command higher values than prints, with larger works generally valued higher than smaller ones.
Condition: Pristine condition significantly impacts value, with damage, restoration, or deterioration reducing potential worth.
Provenance Documentation: Original certificates, purchase records, or documentation connecting the piece directly to the Vincent Price Collection substantially increase value.
Historical Significance: Pieces with interesting stories or connections to specific moments in Price’s career may command premium prices among collectors.
Rarity: Some artists or styles were represented by only a few works in the collection, making these pieces more valuable due to their scarcity.
According to MutualArt, items associated with Vincent Price have sold at auction for prices ranging from $30 to $90,000, demonstrating the wide valuation spectrum these pieces can occupy.
Vincent Price Collection Value Ranges
Current market values based on recent sales and expert appraisals
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Auction Results and Recent Sales
Recent auction results provide insight into the current market for Vincent Price Collection items:
A Reddit user shared information about a family painting from the Vincent Price collection for Sears by an artist named Munoz, purchased around 1962-1964. While specific values weren’t mentioned, this demonstrates the collection’s ongoing presence in American households.
Online marketplaces like 1stDibs and eBay regularly feature Vincent Price Collection items, with prices ranging from approximately $175 for unsigned pieces to several thousand for documented works by named artists.
As noted by cultural historian sources like Cultural Ghosts, Price himself selected thousands of paintings and prints for the collection, which means many pieces remain in circulation among collectors and families who purchased them during the original Sears program.
Building and Preserving a Vincent Price Collection
Authentication Process
When identifying or authenticating a potential Vincent Price Collection piece:
Document Research: Look for original receipts, certificates, or Sears documentation that connects the piece to the collection.
Period Verification: Confirm the creation date aligns with the collection’s active years (primarily 1962-1971 for Sears pieces).
Artistic Assessment: Consult with art appraisers who specialize in mid-century art or the specific artist attributed to the work.
Condition Evaluation: Professional assessment of the artwork’s condition can help determine both authenticity and value.
Provenance Tracing: Establishing a clear chain of ownership from the original purchase to present day strengthens authentication.
Conservation Considerations
To preserve the value and condition of Vincent Price Collection artwork:
Display Location: Avoid direct sunlight, extreme temperature fluctuations, and high humidity areas.
Framing: Consider conservation framing with acid-free materials for works on paper.
Handling: Minimize direct contact with the artwork surface, using cotton gloves when necessary.
Documentation Preservation: Store certificates, receipts, and other provenance materials in archival-quality containers.
Professional Conservation: For valuable pieces showing signs of deterioration, consult professional art conservators rather than attempting DIY repairs.
Where to Find Vincent Price Collection Items
Collectors interested in acquiring pieces from the Vincent Price Collection should explore these resources:
Specialized Auctions: Watch for fine art auctions that specifically mention the Vincent Price Collection or Sears art program.
Online Marketplaces: Sites like 1stDibs regularly feature authenticated pieces from the collection.
Estate Sales: Particularly in regions where Sears was prominent during the 1960s, estate sales may yield undiscovered collection pieces.
Art Dealers: Dealers specializing in mid-century art occasionally handle Vincent Price Collection pieces.
Museum Deaccessions: Occasionally, museums may deaccession pieces originally from the Vincent Price Collection.
The Legacy of Vincent Price's Art Democratization
Cultural Impact
The Vincent Price Collection fundamentally changed how middle-class Americans interacted with original art. By making fine art available through a trusted retailer like Sears, Price helped normalize the idea that original artwork belonged in everyday homes, not just museums and mansions.
This democratization effort challenged the exclusivity of the art world and created new opportunities for artists to reach broader audiences. Many contemporary art subscription services and affordable art initiatives trace their philosophical roots to Price’s pioneering work with Sears.
Educational Value
Beyond their monetary value, pieces from the Vincent Price Collection represent an important chapter in American cultural history. They document changing aesthetic preferences, the evolution of art marketing, and the intersection of celebrity with fine art curation.
For institutions and private collectors alike, these pieces offer educational value as tangible connections to mid-century efforts to broaden cultural appreciation across socioeconomic boundaries.
Collecting for Appreciation vs. Investment
While some Vincent Price Collection pieces have appreciated significantly in value, particularly those by artists who later gained prominence, the collection’s primary legacy isn’t as an investment vehicle but as a cultural phenomenon that prioritized appreciation over speculation.
This approach to collecting—focused on personal connection to artwork rather than potential financial returns—reflects Price’s own philosophy about art’s purpose in society and represents an alternative to purely investment-driven collecting.
External Resources for Vincent Price Collection Research
Vincent Price Art Museum
Explore the permanent collection housing many pieces donated by Vincent Price, with particular focus on pre-Columbian art and contemporary works.
Artists Network: Vincent Price & The Sears Art Collection
Comprehensive article detailing the history and impact of Price's collaboration with Sears, including insights into his curatorial approach.
MutualArt: Vincent Price Auction Results
Database of auction results for artwork associated with Vincent Price, providing benchmark values for collectors and researchers.
Observer: Vincent Price's Least Famous Role
Recent article examining Price's often-overlooked role as an art curator for Sears, with insights into pricing and program structure.
1stDibs: Vincent Price Collection Market
Online marketplace featuring Vincent Price Collection pieces currently available for purchase from reputable dealers.
Cultural Ghosts: Vincent Price Sells Art at Sears
Detailed historical context for the Sears art program, including insights into Price's personal involvement in selection and acquisition.
Common Questions About the Vincent Price Art Collection
How can I tell if my artwork is from the Vincent Price Collection?
To identify a piece from the Vincent Price Collection, look for:
- Original "Vincent Price Collection" labels, certificates, or Sears documentation
- Creation date between 1962-1971 (for Sears collection pieces)
- Artist signatures consistent with those featured in the collection
- Period-appropriate framing and presentation
For definitive authentication, consider consulting an art appraiser who specializes in mid-century art or the Vincent Price Collection specifically.
What types of art were included in the Vincent Price Collection at Sears?
The Vincent Price Collection at Sears included a diverse range of artwork:
- Original paintings by contemporary artists
- Lithographs and prints by established masters
- Etchings and engravings, including works by Rembrandt and Goya
- Asian art, particularly Japanese prints
- Some sculptural and three-dimensional pieces
The collection specifically emphasized original artworks rather than reproductions, which was revolutionary for department store art sales at the time.
What is the price range for Vincent Price Collection pieces today?
Current market values for Vincent Price Collection pieces vary widely:
- Pieces by recognized masters (Rembrandt, Picasso, etc.): $5,000-$90,000
- Original paintings by mid-century artists with documentation: $1,000-$15,000
- Prints and lithographs with certificates: $300-$3,000
- Uncertified pieces without clear provenance: $100-$500
Factors affecting value include the artist’s reputation, condition, documentation, and historical significance of the specific piece.
Did Vincent Price personally select all the artwork in the collection?
Yes, Vincent Price was actively involved in personally selecting the artwork for his Sears collection. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas to acquire pieces directly from artists and galleries.
Price wasn’t merely a celebrity endorser—he was a legitimate art scholar with an art history degree from Yale, and he applied his expertise and personal aesthetic judgment to curate the collection. His direct involvement in selecting each piece was a major selling point for the program and significantly contributed to its credibility and success.
Where can I sell Vincent Price Collection artwork?
If you own Vincent Price Collection artwork and are interested in selling, consider these options:
- Specialized art auction houses, particularly those focusing on 20th century art
- Online marketplaces like 1stDibs that cater to collectors of specific periods
- Art dealers specializing in mid-century art or the Vincent Price Collection
- General auction platforms like eBay (though typically at lower values)
Before selling, consider obtaining a professional appraisal to understand the current market value, especially for pieces with clear provenance or by recognized artists.
What happened to the Vincent Price art program at Sears?
The Vincent Price art program at Sears ran from 1962 to 1971, ultimately ending due to a combination of factors:
- Changing consumer tastes and retail trends in the early 1970s
- Sears’ shifting business priorities and merchandising strategies
- The program had largely accomplished its cultural mission of introducing original art to middle-class homes
During its nearly decade-long run, the program sold an estimated 50,000+ pieces of original artwork to American consumers. While the program ended, its legacy continues both in the artwork that remains in collections and in its pioneering approach to art democratization.
Conclusion: The Enduring Value of the Vincent Price Collection
As both a financial investment and a cultural artifact, pieces from the Vincent Price Collection occupy a unique position in the art market. Their value derives not only from the artistic merit of individual works but also from their connection to a revolutionary approach to art democratization led by one of Hollywood’s most distinctive personalities.
For collectors, these pieces offer a tangible connection to mid-century aesthetics and values. For researchers and cultural historians, they represent an important experiment in breaking down barriers between high art and everyday life. And for families who have treasured these works for generations, they continue to fulfill Price’s vision of bringing authentic artistic experiences into American homes.
Whether you’re considering acquiring a piece from this historic collection, determining the value of a family heirloom, or simply appreciating the cultural significance of Price’s art democratization efforts, understanding the context and characteristics of the Vincent Price Collection enhances appreciation for this unique intersection of celebrity, commerce, and fine art.
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| Category | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original Master Prints (Rembrandt, Picasso, etc.) | $5,000 - $90,000 | Depends on artist, condition, and rarity |
| Mid-century Paintings with Documentation | $1,000 - $15,000 | Higher for notable artists |
| Contemporary Prints with Certification | $300 - $3,000 | Based on artist reputation and condition |
| Uncertified Collection Items | $100 - $500 | Without clear provenance documentation |
| Decorative Arts Pieces | $200 - $2,000 | Varies widely based on type and condition |