> Source: https://www.openingbid.art/artist/frederick-sommer · updated 2026-11-02

# Frederick Sommer (1905–1999)

Frederick Sommer is an American artist with 119 auction lots recorded since 2000, median price $12,600.

A work by Frederick Sommer sold in 2022 for $18,900, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

## What is a Frederick Sommer work worth?

Across 79 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Frederick Sommer work is $12,600.

The median Frederick Sommer photograph sells for $12,500 across 61 lots.

The median Frederick Sommer work on paper sells for $4,166 across 3 lots.

The median Frederick Sommer print sells for $864 across 2 lots.

Small (under 50 cm) Frederick Sommer photographs typically sell for $7,188–$17,570 (the middle half of 55 sold lots).

## Price breakdown by category

| Category | Lots tracked | Median price | Record price | Sell-through | Last sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prints & Editions | 2 | $864 | $1,207 | — | 2025-11-04 |
| Works on Paper | 3 | $4,166 | $7,000 | — | 2024-05-16 |
| Photography | 76 | $12,500 | $40,000 | 80.3% | 2026-04-11 |
| Masterpieces (top of market) | 5 | $49,000 | $85,000 | — | 2017-04-03 |

## Price by size

### Photography

| Size | Sold lots | Typical range (p25–p75) | Median | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| small (under 50 cm) | 55 | $7,188–$17,570 | $12,500 | $40,000 |

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

## Notable results

| Medium | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Photography | 2017 | $40,000 |
| Photography | 2013 | $40,000 |
| Works on Paper | 2024 | $7,000 |
| Works on Paper | 2016 | $4,166 |
| Prints & Editions | 2025 | $1,207 |
| Prints & Editions | 2008 | $521 |

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 Frederick Sommer worth?

Across 79 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Frederick Sommer work is $12,600. The median Frederick Sommer photograph sells for $12,500 across 61 lots. The median Frederick Sommer work on paper sells for $4,166 across 3 lots. The median Frederick Sommer print sells for $864 across 2 lots. Small (under 50 cm) Frederick Sommer photographs typically sell for $7,188–$17,570 (the middle half of 55 sold lots).

### What is the average price of a Frederick Sommer photograph?

Based on 61 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a Frederick Sommer photograph is $12,500.

### What is Frederick Sommer's most expensive photograph?

The highest price recorded at auction for a Frederick Sommer photograph is $40,000.

### What is the average price of a small Frederick Sommer photograph?

Based on 55 sold lots, the median auction price of a small Frederick Sommer photograph (small (under 50 cm)) is $12,500, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

### What is Frederick Sommer's auction record?

Frederick Sommer's auction record is $85,000, set in 2007.

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Data last updated 2026-11-02. OpeningBid tracks 15,390,829 auction lots from 577 auction houses, refreshed nightly.

Cite this page as: OpeningBid, “Frederick Sommer auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/frederick-sommer (updated 2026-11-02).

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.