Elio Martinelli (1922–2004)
What is Elio Martinelli’s work worth?
As of 3 November 2026, OpeningBid has recorded 70 auction results for Elio Martinelli at 29 houses since 2001. Over the last 24 months the median price was $576 including buyer’s premium (middle half $351–$940, n=14). The auction record is $4,383 for Cobra (2008, Artcurial). Source: OpeningBid, an independent auction-results database.
| # | Work | Medium | Price | House | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cobra, 1968 | Tin | $4,383 | Artcurial | Mar 2008 |
| 2 | sconces, pair, 1965 | Enamel | $3,000 | Wright | Oct 2016 |
| 3 | illuminated table mirror, 1969 | Aluminum | $1,875 | Wright | Jun 2017 |
| 4 | Serpente, circa 1960 | Métal laqué et méthyle-acrylate | $1,811 | Cornette de Saint Cyr (Bonhams) | Jul 2022 |
| 5 | Serpentine floor lamps, 1965 | Italy, 1965 methacrylate plastic, chrome-plated steel | $1,664 | Los Angeles Modern Auctions | May 2026 |
| 6 | Serpentine floor lamps model 2131, 1965 | Methacrylate plastic, chrome-plated steel | $1,664 | Wright | May 2026 |
| 7 | Serpente, 1968 | Enamel | $1,440 | Wright | Jun 2008 |
| 8 | Lampada da tavolo mod. Serpente, 1965 | Struttura in metallo tubolare cromato e diffusore in perspex | $1,301 | Cambi Casa d'Aste | Feb 2026 |
| 9 | Untitled (ink drawing), 1922 | Ink | $1,150 | Wright | Nov 2002 |
| # | Work | Medium | Price | House | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | etchings, pair, 1922 | Engraving | $1,265 | Wright | Nov 2002 |
| Medium | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Other | 45 | $762 |
| Size | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 50 cm) | 13 | $1,019 |
| Large (over 120 cm) | 12 | $783 |
| Medium (50-120 cm) | 16 | $661 |
Data as of 3 November 2026 · Source: OpeningBid, 70 results from 29 houses · How we compute these figures
Elio Martinelli is an Italian artist with 156 auction lots recorded since 2001, median price $755. Some sold prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium; they are marked on this page. Some sold prices are not yet verified as premium-inclusive or hammer, and are marked on this page.
A work by Elio Martinelli sold in 2026 for $1,664, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.
2 Elio Martinelli works are coming to auction (as of 2026-11-02). Follow Elio Martinelli free on OpeningBid for sale alerts.
See the full Elio Martinelli record on OpeningBid — images, provenance, fair estimates and free sale alerts.
View Elio Martinelli on OpeningBid →What is a Elio Martinelli work worth?
Across 67 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Elio Martinelli work is $755.
The median Elio Martinelli sculpture sells for $793 across 8 lots.
The median Elio Martinelli painting sells for $690 across 2 lots.
The median Elio Martinelli print sells for $1,265 across 1 lots.
Prices are premium-inclusive where the house records them; hammer-only prices exclude the buyer's premium, and some prices are not yet basis-verified.
Price breakdown by category
| Category | Lots tracked | Median price | Record price | Sell-through | Last sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prints & Editions | 1 | $1,265 | $1,265 | — | 2002-11-19 |
| Paintings | 2 | $690 | $693 | — | 2024-07-30 |
| Works on Paper | 1 | $1,150 | $1,150 | — | 2002-11-19 |
| Sculpture & Installation | 11 | $793 | $1,875 | 72.7% | 2026-03-12 |
| Masterpieces (top of market) | 4 | $2,438 | $4,383 | — | 2022-07-01 |
Elio Martinelli's market splits by medium. Prints & Editions (1 lots) median $1,265. Paintings (2 lots) median $690, record $693. At the top of the market (top 5% of sales, 4 lots) the median is $2,438.
Price by size
Sculpture & Installation
| Size | Sold lots | Typical range (p25–p75) | Median | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| small (under 50 cm) | 6 | $521–$1,125 | $848 | $1,875 |
Size is the work's longest edge. Cells appear only with at least 5 sold lots.
Notable results
| Medium | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sculpture & Installation | 2017 | $1,875 |
| Prints & Editions | 2002 | $1,265 |
| Works on Paper | 2002 | $1,150 |
| Sculpture & Installation | 2022 | $1,125 |
| Paintings | 2024 | $693 |
| Paintings | 2019 | $688 |
The highest recorded result in each medium. See the full sale history on OpeningBid.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Elio Martinelli worth?
Across 67 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Elio Martinelli work is $755. The median Elio Martinelli sculpture sells for $793 across 8 lots. The median Elio Martinelli painting sells for $690 across 2 lots. The median Elio Martinelli print sells for $1,265 across 1 lots. Prices are premium-inclusive where the house records them; hammer-only prices exclude the buyer's premium, and some prices are not yet basis-verified.
What is the average price of a Elio Martinelli sculpture?
Based on 8 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a Elio Martinelli sculpture is $793.
What is Elio Martinelli's most expensive sculpture?
The highest price recorded at auction for a Elio Martinelli sculpture is $1,875.
What is Elio Martinelli's auction record?
Elio Martinelli's auction record is $4,383, set in 2008.
See the full Elio Martinelli record on OpeningBid — images, provenance, fair estimates and free sale alerts.
View Elio Martinelli on OpeningBid →