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

# James Bearden (b. 1964)

## What is James Bearden’s work worth? {#value}

As of 2 November 2026, OpeningBid has recorded 68 auction results for James Bearden at 5 houses since 2016. Over the last 24 months the median price was $4,445 including buyer’s premium (middle half $2,540–$5,760, n=33). The auction record is $21,760 for Cabinet (2026, Wright). Source: OpeningBid, an independent auction-results database.

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

| # | Work | Medium | Price | House | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cabinet, 2026 | Plasma-carved steel with metallic polywash finish | $21,760 | Wright | Aug 2026 |
| 2 | Outdoor Cathedral sculpture, 2023 | Stainless steel | $16,510 | Wright | Dec 2025 |
| 3 | Cathedral figure, 2026 | Torch-cut steel with metallic wash | $15,360 | Wright | Aug 2026 |
| 4 | Cathedral figure, 2024 | Stainless steel | $12,700 | Wright | Feb 2025 |
| 5 | Custom Cubist cabinet, 2021 | Enamel | $12,700 | Wright | Oct 2025 |
| 6 | Walking Totem, 1964 | Bronze | $12,350 | Toomey & Co. | Feb 2022 |
| 7 | Faceted cabinet, 1964 | Bronze | $11,250 | Rago Arts | May 2019 |
| 8 | Cathedral Form, 2023 | Bronze | $10,080 | Rago Arts | May 2024 |
| 9 | Corinthian cabinet, 2023 | Stainless steel | $10,080 | Rago Arts | May 2024 |
| 10 | Moon Shelter, 1964 | Chrome | $9,750 | Toomey & Co. | Feb 2022 |


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

| Medium | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Other | 23 | $4,410 |
| Sculpture | 44 | $2,897 |

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

| Size | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Large (over 120 cm) | 28 | $5,439 |
| Medium (50-120 cm) | 22 | $4,064 |
| Small (under 50 cm) | 17 | $1,300 |

Data as of 2 November 2026 · Source: OpeningBid, 68 results from 5 houses · [How we compute these figures](https://www.openingbid.art/methodology/price-data)


James Bearden is an American artist with 76 auction lots recorded since 2016, median price $4,063. Some sold prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium; they are marked on this page.

A work by James Bearden sold in 2026 for $15,360, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

## What is a James Bearden work worth?

Across 68 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a James Bearden work is $4,063.

The median James Bearden sculpture sells for $4,063 across 59 lots.

Large (over 120 cm) James Bearden sculptures typically sell for $4,318–$10,665 (the middle half of 23 sold 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sculpture & Installation | 63 | $4,063 | $21,760 | 93.7% | 2026-08-13 |
| Masterpieces (top of market) | 5 | $15,360 | $21,760 | — | 2026-08-13 |

## Price by size

### Sculpture & Installation

| Size | Sold lots | Typical range (p25–p75) | Median | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| small (under 50 cm) | 17 | $882–$2,176 | $1,300 | $5,120 |
| medium (50–120 cm) | 19 | $2,570–$4,788 | $4,063 | $8,750 |
| large (over 120 cm) | 23 | $4,318–$10,665 | $5,544 | $21,760 |

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

## Notable results

| Medium | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sculpture & Installation | 2026 | $21,760 |
| Sculpture & Installation | 2025 | $16,510 |

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 James Bearden worth?

Across 68 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a James Bearden work is $4,063. The median James Bearden sculpture sells for $4,063 across 59 lots. Large (over 120 cm) James Bearden sculptures typically sell for $4,318–$10,665 (the middle half of 23 sold lots). Some prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium.

### What is the average price of a James Bearden sculpture?

Based on 59 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a James Bearden sculpture is $4,063.

### What is James Bearden's most expensive sculpture?

The highest price recorded at auction for a James Bearden sculpture is $21,760.

### What is the average price of a large James Bearden sculpture?

Based on 23 sold lots, the median auction price of a large James Bearden sculpture (large (over 120 cm)) is $5,544, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

### What is the average price of a medium James Bearden sculpture?

Based on 19 sold lots, the median auction price of a medium James Bearden sculpture (medium (50–120 cm)) is $4,063, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

### What is James Bearden's auction record?

James Bearden's auction record is $21,760, set in 2026.

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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, “James Bearden auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/james-bearden (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.