Specialist Picks: Shop the Best Editions to Buy Now
A curated selection of standout editions that embody innovation, craftsmanship, and the unmistakable signatures of today’s most influential artists.
This month’s Specialist Picks present a compelling selection of editions by influential artists whose work continues to shape the conversation around modern and contemporary art. From Kehinde Wiley’s richly layered portraiture to Marc Chagall’s poetic and narrative-driven lithography, each work demonstrates how editioned formats can carry both visual impact and conceptual depth. These pieces highlight the enduring power of printmaking as a medium for storytelling, expression, and artistic experimentation across generations.
Further expanding the category, works like the Warhol Marilyn tapestry reinterpret iconic imagery through material innovation, while Picasso’s masterful linocut underscores the importance of technical precision and creative reinvention within twentieth-century printmaking. Carefully selected for their artistic significance, craftsmanship, and lasting appeal, these editions offer collectors the opportunity to engage with celebrated artistic legacies in accessible yet highly collectible formats.
Kehinde Wiley, Triple Portrait of Charles II, Gold, $8,000
A striking example of Kehinde Wiley’s continued exploration of portraiture and power, Triple Portrait of Charles II | Gold translates the artist’s signature visual language into a bold contemporary print. Created in 2026, the composition presents three mirrored figures set against an ornate, baroque-inspired background, where intricate floral scrollwork contrasts with the highly detailed rendering of the subjects. Wiley’s practice of recontextualizing historical portraiture is evident here, drawing from classical European traditions while introducing a distinctly modern perspective through scale, repetition, and pattern.
Issued as part of Sotheby’s Exclusive Editions, the work reflects a considered approach to producing editions that retain both conceptual depth and strong visual presence. The interplay between the decorative gold ground and the layered figuration creates a sense of movement and dimensionality, allowing the surface to shift with light and perspective. Both visually commanding and thoughtfully executed, Triple Portrait of Charles II offers collectors a refined entry point into Wiley’s practice while preserving the integrity and impact of his larger body of work.
Marc Chagall, When Abdullah Got the Net Ashore..., from Four Tales from the Arabian Nights, $16,500
A vivid example of Marc Chagall’s mastery of color and narrative, When Abdullah Got the Net Ashore..., from Four Tales from the Arabian Nights forms part of the celebrated Four Tales from the Arabian Nights series. Created in 1948, this original lithograph in colors reflects Chagall’s signature dreamlike aesthetic, where figures and forms float within a richly saturated composition of red and blue. The scene illustrates a moment from the tale of “Abdullah the Fisherman and Abdullah the Merman,” translating literary storytelling into Chagall’s poetic visual language. This impression is further distinguished as a proof aside from the edition of 90, and is hand signed in pencil by the artist, reinforcing its rarity and desirability.
Printed by Albert Carman in New York and published by Pantheon, When Abdullah Got the Net Ashore..., from Four Tales from the Arabian Nights represents a significant moment in Chagall’s printmaking practice, bridging narrative illustration with fine art. Each composition within the portfolio offers a unique interpretation of the text, combining expressive line work with luminous color to evoke both movement and emotion. As a signed proof tied to a limited edition, this work holds particular appeal for collectors, capturing the intersection of literary inspiration, technical mastery, and one of the twentieth century’s most distinctive artistic voices.
Pablo Picasso, Two Nude Women, Les Deux Femmes Nues, $18,900
A powerful example of Pablo Picasso’s exploration of form and abstraction, Two Nude Women, Les Deux Femmes Nues reflects the artist’s continued engagement with the human figure through a distinctly modern lens. Created in 1946, this print captures Picasso’s post-war experimentation, where simplified lines and exaggerated proportions redefine traditional representations of the body. The composition presents two reclining figures rendered in a bold monochromatic palette, framed within a structured interior space that contrasts geometric elements with organic forms.
Executed with expressive line work and dynamic contrast, the piece exemplifies Picasso’s ability to distill complex subjects into striking visual statements. The flattened perspective and stylized anatomy echo motifs seen throughout his broader practice, while the intimate scale of the print offers a more accessible format for collectors. Bridging classical subject matter with modernist innovation, Two Nude Women, Les Deux Femmes Nues remains a compelling work that underscores Picasso’s enduring influence on twentieth-century art and printmaking.
After Andy Warhol, Marilyn Tapestry Rug, $50,200
A bold reinterpretation of one of the most iconic images in contemporary art, the Marilyn Tapestry Rug translates Andy Warhol’s celebrated Pop Art portrait into a richly textured, large-scale format. Produced in 1997 by Museum Masters International, the work renders Warhol’s instantly recognizable composition in woven wool, preserving the vibrant color contrasts and graphic simplicity that define the original. The tactile medium introduces a new dimensionality, transforming the flatness of the silkscreen into a material object that bridges fine art and design. This example is from a limited edition of 99, further enhancing its desirability among collectors.
As an editioned work created after Warhol, the tapestry reflects the lasting influence of his imagery across mediums and generations. The enduring appeal of the Marilyn motif lies in its cultural resonance, where celebrity, repetition, and color converge to create a universally recognizable icon. By translating this imagery into textile form, the work expands the boundaries of traditional printmaking while maintaining a strong connection to Warhol’s original vision. Both decorative and collectible, this piece offers a distinctive way to engage with one of the most influential images of the twentieth century.
Pablo Picasso, Two Women by the Window (Deux Femmes Près de la Fenêtre), $51,800
A compelling example of Pablo Picasso’s innovation in printmaking, Two Women by the Window (Deux Femmes Près de la Fenêtre) reflects the artist’s mastery of the linocut medium during a particularly experimental period of his practice. Created in 1959 and printed by Hidalgo Arnéra in Vallauris, the composition demonstrates Picasso’s ability to distill form and movement through bold, graphic lines and a restrained palette. The intertwined figures, rendered with fluid contours and expressive contrasts, capture a moment of intimacy and daily life while maintaining the formal abstraction that defines much of the artist’s later work.
Hand-signed and numbered from a limited edition of 50, with additional artist’s proofs, this impression holds a significant place within Picasso’s graphic oeuvre. Printed on Arches wove paper and published by Galerie L. Leiris in Paris, the work carries strong provenance and printmaking pedigree. The linocut technique, which allowed Picasso to carve directly into the surface with immediacy and spontaneity, is evident in the composition’s dynamic energy. Combining rarity, technical innovation, and the enduring significance of Picasso’s artistic legacy, this work stands as a highly desirable example for collectors of twentieth-century prints.
Together, these selections underscore the breadth and creative range of editioned works in modern and contemporary art. From Kehinde Wiley’s layered portraiture to Marc Chagall’s richly narrative lithography, each piece reflects a distinct approach to storytelling through print. Textile interpretations like the Warhol Marilyn tapestry expand the definition of editions, introducing materiality and scale, while Picasso’s masterful linocut highlights the enduring importance of technical innovation within the medium.
Whether defined by historical significance, artistic experimentation, or cultural impact, each work demonstrates the versatility and continued relevance of printmaking today. For collectors seeking thoughtfully produced editions by globally recognized artists, this month’s selection offers compelling opportunities that balance visual impact with strong artistic legacy.
Buy and Sell Editions with Sotheby’s
Whether you’re an established collector or discovering fine art for the first time, Sotheby’s offers a trusted, seamless way to buy and sell editions on the secondary market.
Why Choose Sotheby’s?
- Expertly Vetted Selection
Explore exceptional works from leading global artists, including John Baldessari, Ed Ruscha, Shepard Fairey, and more. - Exclusive Global Access
Shop Sotheby’s curated selection through auctions and Buy Now marketplace, backed by a worldwide network of artists, collectors, and consignors. - Flexible Ways to Buy
Bid online, participate in live sales, or purchase instantly through Buy Now. You may also work directly with a Sotheby’s specialist to source specific works or editions. - Exceptional Value
Every edition is authenticated and reviewed by Sotheby’s experts to ensure quality, condition, and accurate market pricing. - Constantly Evolving Inventory
Discover works from blue-chip names and emerging talents, with new works added regularly across auctions and Buy Now.
Ready to Get Started?
- Browse Sotheby’s upcoming Editions auctions in New York, London, and Paris
- Shop Sotheby’s Buy Now editions for instant access to available inventory
- Speak with a Sotheby’s Editions specialist to consign or request a valuation for your edition
Trust our worldwide network of leading fine art specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
