> Source: https://www.openingbid.art/artist/ben-macala · updated 2026-11-03

# Ben Macala (1938–1997)

## What is Ben Macala’s work worth? {#value}

As of 3 November 2026, OpeningBid has recorded 76 auction results for Ben Macala at 3 houses since 2010. Over the last 24 months the median price was $39 including buyer’s premium (middle half $27–$57, n=16). The auction record is $1,909 for A Seated Figure (2010, Strauss and Co). Source: OpeningBid, an independent auction-results database.

**Top auction records: paintings, drawings & sculpture**

| # | Work | Medium | Price | House | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Seated Figure | Bronze | $1,909 | Strauss and Co | Nov 2010 |
| 2 | Ben Macala, Women Embracing | — | $295 | Russell Kaplan Auctioneers | Sep 2021 |
| 3 | Ben Macala (South Africa, 1938 - 1997), Portrait | — | $158 | Russell Kaplan Auctioneers | Sep 2026 |
| 4 | Ben Macala (South Africa, 1938 - 1997), Standing Figure | — | $130 | Russell Kaplan Auctioneers | Sep 2026 |
| 5 | Ben Macala (South Africa, 1938 - 1997), Figure | Watercolour and charcoal on paper | $85 | Russell Kaplan Auctioneers | May 2026 |
| 6 | Ben Macala (South Africa, 1938 - 1997), Eleven Faces | Charcoal and watercolour on paper | $77 | Russell Kaplan Auctioneers | Jul 2024 |
| 7 | Ben Macala (South Africa, 1938 - 1997), Figure in Hard Hat | — | $75 | Russell Kaplan Auctioneers | Mar 2024 |
| 8 | Ben Macala (South Africa, 1938 - 1997), Two Works: Portraits | — | $75 | Russell Kaplan Auctioneers | Mar 2024 |
| 9 | Ben Macala (South Africa, 1938 - 1997), Figure Weeping | — | $68 | Russell Kaplan Auctioneers | Nov 2025 |
| 10 | Ben Macala (South Africa, 1938 - 1997), Township Scene | Charcoal and watercolour on paper | $65 | Russell Kaplan Auctioneers | May 2024 |


**Median price by medium (last 24 months, n ≥ 5)**

| Medium | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Works on paper | 9 | $57 |
| Other | 26 | $35 |


Data as of 3 November 2026 · Source: OpeningBid, 76 results from 3 houses · [How we compute these figures](https://www.openingbid.art/methodology/price-data)


Ben Macala is a South African artist with 24 auction lots recorded since 2010, median price $57. Some sold prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium; they are marked on this page.

A work by Ben Macala sold in 2026 for $130, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

## What is a Ben Macala work worth?

Across 20 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Ben Macala work is $57.

The median Ben Macala sculpture sells for $1,909 across 2 lots.

The median Ben Macala print sells for $44 across 1 lots.

Some prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium.

## Price breakdown by category

| Category | Lots tracked | Median price | Record price | Sell-through | Last sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prints & Editions | 1 | $44† | $44† | — | 2026-01-29 |
| Sculpture & Installation | 2 | $1,909 | $1,909 | — | 2021-11-09 |
| Masterpieces (top of market) | 5 | $295† | $1,909 | — | 2022-06-18 |

† hammer price — buyer's premium not included.

## Notable results

| Medium | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sculpture & Installation | 2010 | $1,909 |
| Prints & Editions | 2026 | $44† |

† hammer price — buyer's premium not included.

The highest recorded result in each medium. The full sale history is in the OpeningBid app (free sign-up).

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a Ben Macala worth?

Across 20 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Ben Macala work is $57. The median Ben Macala sculpture sells for $1,909 across 2 lots. The median Ben Macala print sells for $44 across 1 lots. Some prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium.

### What is Ben Macala's auction record?

Ben Macala's auction record is $1,909, set in 2010.

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Data last updated 2026-11-03. OpeningBid tracks 15,596,131 auction lots from 579 auction houses, refreshed nightly.

Cite this page as: OpeningBid, “Ben Macala auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/ben-macala (updated 2026-11-03).

Historical auction data, not investment advice. Prices are premium-inclusive USD where the buyer's premium is recorded. Figures marked † are hammer prices (buyer's premium not included); ‡ marks a price whose basis is not yet verified. Non-USD results are converted at the sale month's rate.