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

# Dave Heath (1931–2016)

## What is Dave Heath’s work worth? {#value}

As of 3 November 2026, OpeningBid has recorded 25 auction results for Dave Heath at 7 houses since 2002. Over the last 24 months the median price was $6,370 including buyer’s premium (middle half $4,870–$8,603, n=6). The auction record is $47,880 for Sheila and Arnie (2020, Sotheby's). Source: OpeningBid, an independent auction-results database.

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

| # | Work | Medium | Price | House | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sheila and Arnie, 1959 | Cartes-de-visite | $47,880 | Sotheby's | Dec 2020 |
| 2 | Vengeful Sister, Chicago, 1931 | Ink | $14,400 | Swann Auction Galleries | Mar 2010 |
| 3 | Washington Square, New York City, 1958, 1931 | Wool | $12,500 | Christie's | Oct 2016 |
| 4 | Erin Freed, 1963 | Encre dans la marge gauche | $11,964 | PIASA | Nov 2025 |
| 5 | Jennine Pommy Vega, New York City, 1962 | Cartes-de-visite | $11,875 | Christie's | Apr 2017 |
| 6 | Erin Freed, New York, 1963 | Gelatin silver print | $7,740 | Phillips | Apr 2026 |
| 7 | Group of 3 somber war-related photographs, 1931 | Photographs | $5,760 | Swann Auction Galleries | Oct 2011 |
| 8 | Untitled (joyous boy), 1931 | Pencil | $5,520 | Swann Auction Galleries | Oct 2009 |
| 9 | New York City (young boy), 1962 | Ink on recto | $5,500 | Swann Auction Galleries | Oct 2023 |

**Top auction records: prints & editions**

| # | Work | Medium | Price | House | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jennine/Pommy Vega, NYC, 1962 | Cartes-de-visite | $8,890 | Phillips | Apr 2025 |

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

| Medium | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Photographs | 18 | $4,913 |

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

| Size | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 50 cm) | 24 | $4,913 |

Data as of 3 November 2026 · Source: OpeningBid, 25 results from 7 houses · [How we compute these figures](https://www.openingbid.art/methodology/price-data)


Dave Heath is an American artist with 44 auction lots recorded since 2002, median price $4,826.

A work by Dave Heath sold in 2026 for $4,826, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

## What is a Dave Heath work worth?

Across 25 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Dave Heath work is $4,826.

The median Dave Heath photograph sells for $5,000 across 22 lots.

The median Dave Heath print sells for $3,937 across 2 lots.

The median Dave Heath work on paper sells for $372 across 1 lots.

Small (under 50 cm) Dave Heath photographs typically sell for $3,000–$8,890 (the middle half of 21 sold lots).

## Price breakdown by category

| Category | Lots tracked | Median price | Record price | Sell-through | Last sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prints & Editions | 2 | $3,937 | $4,826 | — | 2026-10-15 |
| Works on Paper | 1 | $372 | $372 | — | 2020-03-30 |
| Photography | 26 | $5,000 | $47,880 | 84.6% | 2026-04-11 |

## Price by size

### Photography

| Size | Sold lots | Typical range (p25–p75) | Median | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| small (under 50 cm) | 21 | $3,000–$8,890 | $5,000 | $47,880 |

Size is the work's longest edge. Cells appear only with at least 5 sold lots.

## Notable results

| Medium | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Photography | 2020 | $47,880 |
| Photography | 2010 | $14,400 |
| Prints & Editions | 2026 | $4,826 |
| Prints & Editions | 2026 | $3,048 |
| Works on Paper | 2020 | $372 |

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 Dave Heath worth?

Across 25 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Dave Heath work is $4,826. The median Dave Heath photograph sells for $5,000 across 22 lots. The median Dave Heath print sells for $3,937 across 2 lots. The median Dave Heath work on paper sells for $372 across 1 lots. Small (under 50 cm) Dave Heath photographs typically sell for $3,000–$8,890 (the middle half of 21 sold lots).

### What is the average price of a Dave Heath photograph?

Based on 22 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a Dave Heath photograph is $5,000.

### What is Dave Heath's most expensive photograph?

The highest price recorded at auction for a Dave Heath photograph is $47,880.

### What is the average price of a small Dave Heath photograph?

Based on 21 sold lots, the median auction price of a small Dave Heath photograph (small (under 50 cm)) is $5,000, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

### What is Dave Heath's auction record?

Dave Heath's auction record is $47,880, set in 2020.

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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, “Dave Heath auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/dave-heath (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.