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Question: Robert Indiana Biography
Answer: From New Castle to Vinalhaven
Robert Indiana (born Robert Clark, 1928–2018) was a visionary who adopted the name of his home state as a "no-smoke" declaration of his identity. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Edinburgh College of Art before settling in a loft on Coenties Slip in Lower Manhattan. Alongside neighbors like Ellsworth Kelly and Agnes Martin, he began creating "assemblages" from salvaged ship masts and industrial stencils found on the docks. His breakthrough came with the LOVE motif—originally a MoMA Christmas card in 1965—which transformed into a global icon of the 1960s counterculture. Despite his fame, Indiana was a deeply private man who retired to the remote island of Vinalhaven, Maine in 1978, where he continued to create his "Sculptural Poems" until his death. His work is a permanent fixture in the world’s most prestigious institutions, from MoMA and the Tate Modern to the Whitney Museum of American Art.
At Herndon Fine Art, we have been a primary source for Robert Indiana for 40 years. Our collection is a vetted selection of Vetted Consignments (RH code) and Vetted Dealer Networks, focusing on his Lifetime Hand-Signed serigraphs and iconic HOPE editions. Because Indiana’s work relies on "perfect, hard-edged lines" and saturated flat color, our vetting process ensures that the ink density and paper integrity (often Arches 88 or Coventry Rag) meet our highest standards. We stand behind every signature with our A+ BBB commitment. |
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Question: What is the "Decade Portfolio" (1971)?
Answer: This is one of Indiana's most important technical achievements. Printed by the master serigrapher Domberger, the portfolio features ten images (like USA 666, Mississippi, and The Figure 5) that define his 1960s output. At Herndon Fine Art, we verify the Edition Number and the Domberger chop mark to ensure you are acquiring a premier "Lifetime" set rather than later individual reproductions. |
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Question: Why is there such a massive price difference in LOVE sculptures?
Answer: The market is divided into two tiers: Artist Authorized Museum Replicas (often stamped "IMA" or "Morgan Foundation") which can range from $3,000–$15,000, and Monumental Fine Art Sculptures which are investment-grade assets. The Indiana market is currently at a peak; while his iconic LOVE sculptures have realized over $4.1M, his hand-signed screenprints like Heliotherapy Love or The Book of Love plates consistently realize between $5,000 and $40,000 on the secondary market. |
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Question: What is the "HOPE" series?
Answer: In 2008, Indiana replaced "LOVE" with "HOPE" in support of Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. These works, particularly the Four Seasons of Hope prints and the HOPE sculptures, have become "Blue Chip" staples of his later career. Recent 2026 auction data shows that HOPE sculptures are currently valued as destination museum-grade pieces, with private sales reaching the $4.5M range. |
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Question: What is the difference between "Authorized" and "Unauthorized" LOVE sculptures?
Answer: Because Indiana did not originally copyright the "LOVE" design, the market is flooded with copies. To be "Vetted," a sculpture must have provenance from the Morgan Art Foundation or specific authorized foundries. Unauthorized versions have zero resale value in the fine art market. |
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Question: How do his "Number" silkscreens differ in value?
Answer: Indiana’s Numbers series is highly collectible. Prints that use "Silver" or "Gold" metallic inks (like the Numbers Portfolio) require special care, as the metallic flake can oxidize if exposed to moisture. Mint-condition metallic prints are the most sought-after. |
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Question: Is his "HOPE" series as collectible as "LOVE"?
Answer: While "LOVE" is the global icon, the "HOPE" series (created for the 2008 Obama campaign) has seen a steady rise in value. Collectors view "HOPE" as the modern bookend to his "LOVE" career, making it a strong secondary-market asset. |
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Question: How do "Vetted Consignment" and "Vetted Dealer Network" listings differ?
Answer: At Herndon Fine Art, we value talking to people over marketing smoke. Vetted Consignments (RH code) are pieces sourced from private estates—often original owners from the Coenties Slip era—that we have physically inspected. Vetted Dealer Network (TAC or AE) listings come from our trusted partners like the Robert Indiana Legacy Initiative. Regardless of the source, our reputation stands behind every signature. |
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Question: Why should I consult with Herndon Fine Art for an Indiana purchase?
Answer: Because Indiana’s imagery is so famous, the market is flooded with unauthorized replicas and "after Robert Indiana" prints. We use our 40 years of experience to identify the Pencil Signature (usually "R. Indiana") and verify the date and edition number against the Sheehan Catalog Raisonne. We don't do "shopping cart" sales; we want to talk with you directly to ensure the "American Dream" you are buying is factually authentic. |
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1. EVERY piece of art receives my personal verification of condition and authentication.
2. I WILL NOT ship artwork that isn't in a condition I would accept into my own collection.
3. An A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau
***** ALL PRICES are set by each Seller based on their Unique Motivation to Sell ***** We have a low commission structure of only
25% above each Seller's asking price or a $minimum commission. This allows us to provide buyers with the best price, sellers a better opportunity to sell, and still keep the lights on. In almost all cases, artwork is shipped unframed (UNLESS The ARTWORK IS ON CANVAS or 3-DIMENSIONAL), as I need to personally verify the artworks' authenticity and condition. Artwork that is shipped Framed is shipped framed to protect the work during shipping. Framing is considered USED
NOTE: Inventory is continuously changing so view your favorite artists pages often. For information on having your inventory added to our Website, contact us at the address below.
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Every client has different motivations for selling and as such we don't offer pricing on the pieces clients sell
If you are looking for the value of your limited edition artwork -- we have a $50 charge for certificates of value if you provide the title, the number of your piece, and an image of your artwork. Original one-of-a-kind pieces require a formal appraisal. Please see our Appraisal Services page.
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