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

# Karen Karnes (1925–2016)

## What is Karen Karnes’s work worth? {#value}

As of 2 November 2026, OpeningBid has recorded 62 auction results for Karen Karnes at 15 houses since 2010. Over the last 24 months the median price was $3,072 including buyer’s premium (middle half $1,930–$3,712, n=11). The auction record is $7,040 for Candleholder (2026, Rago Arts). Source: OpeningBid, an independent auction-results database.

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

| # | Work | Medium | Price | House | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Candleholder, 1950 | Glazed earthenware | $7,040 | Rago Arts | Aug 2026 |
| 2 | Pierced Vessel, 2000 | Salt-glazed stoneware | $4,864 | Rago Arts | Oct 2026 |
| 3 | Flower Container, 2000 | Salt-glazed stoneware | $3,840 | Rago Arts | Oct 2026 |
| 4 | Tall vase, 1960 | Terracotta | $3,780 | Rago Arts | Jun 2024 |
| 5 | Garden seat, 1980 | Terracotta | $3,750 | Rago Arts | May 2018 |
| 6 | Vessel, 1990 | Salt-glazed and wood-fired stoneware | $3,584 | Rago Arts | Jul 2026 |
| 7 | Large Stoneware Jardiniere, 1925 | Terracotta | $3,125 | Rago Arts | May 2017 |
| 8 | Two Spouted Vessel, 2000 | Glazed stoneware | $3,072 | Rago Arts | Oct 2026 |
| 9 | Vessel, 2000 | Salt-glazed stoneware | $3,072 | Rago Arts | Jul 2026 |
| 10 | Boulder with Three Openings, 1990 | Salt-glazed and wood-fired stoneware | $3,024 | Wright | Apr 2023 |


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

| Medium | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Sculpture | 25 | $1,500 |
| Other | 26 | $1,500 |

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

| Size | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Medium (50-120 cm) | 5 | $2,000 |
| Small (under 50 cm) | 41 | $1,250 |

Data as of 2 November 2026 · Source: OpeningBid, 62 results from 15 houses · [How we compute these figures](https://www.openingbid.art/methodology/price-data)


Karen Karnes is an American artist with 86 auction lots recorded since 2010, median price $1,222. Some sold prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium; they are marked on this page.

A work by Karen Karnes sold in 2026 for $4,864, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

## What is a Karen Karnes work worth?

Across 62 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Karen Karnes work is $1,222.

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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masterpieces (top of market) | 4 | $4,352 | $7,040 | — | 2026-10-07 |

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a Karen Karnes worth?

Across 62 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Karen Karnes work is $1,222. Some prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium.

### What is Karen Karnes's auction record?

Karen Karnes's auction record is $7,040, set in 2026.

---

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

Cite this page as: OpeningBid, “Karen Karnes auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/karen-karnes (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.