> Source: https://www.openingbid.art/artist/ralph-steiner · updated 2026-11-01

# Ralph Steiner (1899–1986)

Ralph Steiner is an American artist with 74 auction lots recorded since 1991, median price $1,643.

A work by Ralph Steiner sold in 2021 for $2,250, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

## What is a Ralph Steiner work worth?

Across 48 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Ralph Steiner work is $1,643.

The median Ralph Steiner photograph sells for $1,717 across 42 lots.

The median Ralph Steiner print sells for $1,375 across 3 lots.

Small (under 50 cm) Ralph Steiner photographs typically sell for $1,282–$2,662 (the middle half of 38 sold lots).

## Price breakdown by category

| Category | Lots tracked | Median price | Record price | Sell-through | Last sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prints & Editions | 3 | $1,375 | $1,625 | — | 2021-05-27 |
| Photography | 54 | $1,717 | $36,246 | 77.8% | 2021-05-27 |
| Masterpieces (top of market) | 3 | $10,014 | $36,246 | — | 2017-02-14 |

## Price by size

### Photography

| Size | Sold lots | Typical range (p25–p75) | Median | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| small (under 50 cm) | 38 | $1,282–$2,662 | $1,762 | $36,246 |

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

## Notable results

| Medium | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Photography | 2012 | $36,246 |
| Photography | 2003 | $10,014 |
| Prints & Editions | 2021 | $1,625 |
| Prints & Editions | 2021 | $1,375 |

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 Ralph Steiner worth?

Across 48 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Ralph Steiner work is $1,643. The median Ralph Steiner photograph sells for $1,717 across 42 lots. The median Ralph Steiner print sells for $1,375 across 3 lots. Small (under 50 cm) Ralph Steiner photographs typically sell for $1,282–$2,662 (the middle half of 38 sold lots).

### What is the average price of a Ralph Steiner photograph?

Based on 42 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a Ralph Steiner photograph is $1,717.

### What is Ralph Steiner's most expensive photograph?

The highest price recorded at auction for a Ralph Steiner photograph is $36,246.

### What is the average price of a small Ralph Steiner photograph?

Based on 38 sold lots, the median auction price of a small Ralph Steiner photograph (small (under 50 cm)) is $1,762, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

### What is Ralph Steiner's auction record?

Ralph Steiner's auction record is $36,246, set in 2012.

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Data last updated 2026-11-01. OpeningBid tracks 15,222,099 auction lots from 571 auction houses, refreshed nightly.

Cite this page as: OpeningBid, “Ralph Steiner auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/ralph-steiner (updated 2026-11-01).

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.