Subscribe to AskArt.com or ArtNet.com to witness auction activity.
Search auction activity by artist and then by medium, then observe dimensions.
What you don’t see is the condition, which has a large bearing on value.
Was the illustration good enough to judge the quality of the artwork’s execution?
The artwork’s date is not always known or disclosed.
Is the auction a top-tier forum for the sale of this artist’s work?
Was the auction well attended by buyers interested in this artist’s work?
Did the auction take place during a strong period of positive recognition for this artist?
Was the sale well publicized?
What was the general state of the market, such as the economic downturn currently in place?
Each of the above considerations must be weighed along with the sometimes sketchy information provided in a printed or an online catalogue, especially if you are using these prices realized as a guide as to the value of this artist’s work.
Corinne Cain of www.SavvyCollector.com