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

# Forrest Bess (1911–1977)

Forrest Bess is an American artist with 16 auction lots recorded since 2006, median price $33,096.

A work by Forrest Bess sold in 2022 for $35,560, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

**2 Forrest Bess works are coming to auction** (as of 2026-11-03).

- [Forrest Bess on OpeningBid](https://www.openingbid.art/artist/forrest-bess?ref=kg:forrest-bess) — follow free in the OpeningBid app for sale alerts.

## What is a Forrest Bess work worth?

Across 14 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Forrest Bess work is $33,096.

The median Forrest Bess painting sells for $53,541 across 12 lots.

## Price breakdown by category

| Category | Lots tracked | Median price | Record price | Sell-through | Last sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paintings | 12 | $53,541 | $156,455 | — | 2022-08-18 |
| Masterpieces (top of market) | 4 | $129,090 | $156,455 | — | 2011-11-10 |

## Price by size

### Paintings

| Size | Sold lots | Typical range (p25–p75) | Median | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| small (under 50 cm) | 10 | $27,640–$111,496 | $82,636 | $156,455 |

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

## Notable results

| Medium | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Paintings | 2006 | $156,455 |
| Paintings | 2006 | $145,280 |

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 Forrest Bess worth?

Across 14 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Forrest Bess work is $33,096. The median Forrest Bess painting sells for $53,541 across 12 lots.

### What is the average price of a Forrest Bess painting?

Based on 12 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a Forrest Bess painting is $53,541.

### What is Forrest Bess's most expensive painting?

The highest price recorded at auction for a Forrest Bess painting is $156,455.

### What is the average price of a small Forrest Bess painting?

Based on 10 sold lots, the median auction price of a small Forrest Bess painting (small (under 50 cm)) is $82,636, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

### What is Forrest Bess's auction record?

Forrest Bess's auction record is $156,455, set in 2006.

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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, “Forrest Bess auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/forrest-bess (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.