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Question: Jasper Johns Biography
Answer: From the Flag to the Crosshatch
Jasper Johns (born 1930) is an Augusta-born master who fundamentally changed the direction of 20th-century art. After a brief period at the University of South Carolina and a stint in the Army, he moved to New York City and began a pivotal partnership with Robert Rauschenberg. In 1954, following a dream, he painted his first Flag in encaustic. When legendary dealer Leo Castelli visited his studio in 1958, he famously offered Johns a solo show on the spot—a show that sold out almost instantly and saw three works purchased by MoMA. Johns’ style moved through several distinct "technical eras": the Iconic Era (flags/targets), the Crosshatch Era (abstract patterns), and the Autobiographical Era (incorporating personal motifs like the Savarin coffee can). Today, he is widely regarded as America’s greatest living artist, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a permanent fixture in the global art canon.
At Herndon Fine Art, we have been a primary source for Jasper Johns for 40 years. Our collection is a vetted selection of Vetted Consignments (RH code) and Vetted Dealer Networks, focusing on his "Blue Chip" ULAE and Gemini G.E.L. prints. Because Johns is a "Printmaker’s Printmaker," our vetting process ensures that the specific paper types (like Amalfi or Arches) and the complex ink layering have been preserved to museum standards. We stand behind every signature with our A+ BBB commitment. |
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Question: What is "Encaustic" and why does it matter?
Answer: Encaustic is an ancient Greek technique of mixing pigment with hot liquid wax. Because the wax hardens quickly, the brushstrokes remain distinct and "frozen" in time. For a collector, this gives the work a three-dimensional, tactile quality that oil cannot match. At Herndon Fine Art, we verify these technical properties in your database to ensure your collectors are looking at the "vetted" Johns texture. |
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Question: Why are his ULAE prints so valuable?
Answer: In 1960, Tatyana Grosman (founder of ULAE) convinced Johns to try lithography. He treated the stone with the same intensity as a canvas, often revisiting the same image for years. The Johns market is at the absolute peak of the art world; while major paintings have reached $80M, his hand-signed limited editions like Flags I have realized over $1.6M at auction. |
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Question: What should I look for in a "Vetted" Johns signature?
Answer: Johns typically signs in a neat, small, and deliberate pencil hand, often accompanied by the year and the edition number. On certain prints, he uses a "chop mark" (embossed seal) from the publisher like Gemini G.E.L. or Simca Print Artists. We use our 40 years of experience to verify these marks against the Field or Umland Catalog Raisonne. |
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Question: Why is Johns considered the "King of Prints"?
Answer: Johns is one of the few artists whose prints (like Flags or Targets) can sell for millions of dollars—sometimes more than paintings by other famous artists. His commitment to the "Matrix" (the plate or stone) makes his prints original works of art, not just copies. |
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Question: What should I look for in the "ULAE" blindstamp?
Answer: Many of Johns’ most valuable prints were produced at Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE). The ULAE seal in the margin is a "gold standard" of quality and provenance. Prints without a recognized workshop mark should be vetted with extreme caution. |
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Question: What is "Encaustic" and does it appear in his prints?
Answer: Encaustic is a wax-based paint. While his prints are ink, he often used techniques in his lithography to mimic the textured, layered look of wax. Collectors look for this "built-up" surface quality, which is the hallmark of a true Johns masterpiece. |
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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, not marketing smoke. Vetted Consignments (RH code) are pieces sourced from private estates—including those from his early New York circle—that we have physically inspected. Vetted Dealer Network (TAC or AE) listings come from our trusted partners. Regardless of the source, our reputation stands behind every signature. |
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Question: Why should I consult with Herndon Fine Art for a Johns purchase?
Answer: Because Johns’ prints are among the most valuable in the world, "after-market" and unauthorized reproductions are a major risk. We use our 40 years of experience to check for "paper toning" and verify the specific provenance that makes a Johns piece an investment-grade asset. We don't do "shopping cart" sales; we want to talk with you directly to ensure you are acquiring a verified masterpiece. |
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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.
All information contained in these web pages is trademarked and copyrighted by Herndon Fine Art (c). All visual copyrights belong to the artists. All rights reserved. |
