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

# Ray Metzker (1931–2014)

## What is Ray Metzker’s work worth? {#value}

As of 2 November 2026, OpeningBid has recorded 45 auction results for Ray Metzker at 7 houses since 1999. Over the last 24 months the median price was $1,359 including buyer’s premium (middle half $1,111–$1,798, n=12). The auction record is $22,500 for Composite: Venetian Blinds (2013, Christie's). Source: OpeningBid, an independent auction-results database.

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

| # | Work | Medium | Price | House | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Composite: Venetian Blinds, 1982 | 10 gelatin silver prints | $22,500 | Christie's | Oct 2013 |
| 2 | Frankfurt, 1961, 1931 | Cartes-de-visite | $18,750 | Christie's | Oct 2021 |
| 3 | Washington, D.C., 1964, 1931 | Cartes-de-visite | $17,500 | Christie's | Apr 2013 |
| 4 | MX/KA (Philadelphia), 1931 | Cartes-de-visite | $10,625 | Christie's | Apr 2014 |
| 5 | "Kayak, Frankfurt." | " Photogravure | $10,000 | Swann Auction Galleries | Dec 2013 |
| 6 | 64 T-39 (Philadelphia), 1931 | Cartes-de-visite | $10,000 | Christie's | Apr 2011 |
| 7 | Kayak, Frankfurt, 1961 | Photogravure | $10,000 | Swann Auction Galleries | Dec 2013 |
| 8 | Philadelphia, 1963, 1931 | Cartes-de-visite | $10,000 | Christie's | Apr 2011 |
| 9 | Philadelphia, 1964, 1931 | Cartes-de-visite | $8,750 | Christie's | Oct 2015 |
| 10 | Chicago, 1931 | Gelatin silver print. 1958/1980s. Signed and numbered | $7,170 | Christie's | Apr 2002 |


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

| Medium | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Photographs | 29 | $4,375 |
| Other | 12 | $4,125 |

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

| Size | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 50 cm) | 37 | $3,750 |

Data as of 2 November 2026 · Source: OpeningBid, 45 results from 7 houses · [How we compute these figures](https://www.openingbid.art/methodology/price-data)


Ray Metzker is an American artist with 54 auction lots recorded since 1999, median price $3,750. Some sold prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium; they are marked on this page.

A work by Ray Metzker sold in 2025 for $4,788, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

## What is a Ray Metzker work worth?

Across 45 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Ray Metzker work is $3,750.

The median Ray Metzker photograph sells for $3,500 across 43 lots.

Small (under 50 cm) Ray Metzker photographs typically sell for $1,250–$5,000 (the middle half of 41 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photography | 45 | $3,500† | $22,500 | 95.6% | 2025-11-21 |
| Masterpieces (top of market) | 3 | $18,750 | $22,500 | — | 2021-10-06 |

† hammer price — buyer's premium not included.

## Price by size

### Photography

| Size | Sold lots | Typical range (p25–p75) | Median | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| small (under 50 cm) | 41 | $1,250–$5,000† | $3,500† | $18,750 |

† hammer price — buyer's premium not included.

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

## Notable results

| Medium | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Photography | 2013 | $22,500 |
| Photography | 2021 | $18,750 |

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 Ray Metzker worth?

Across 45 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Ray Metzker work is $3,750. The median Ray Metzker photograph sells for $3,500 across 43 lots. Small (under 50 cm) Ray Metzker photographs typically sell for $1,250–$5,000 (the middle half of 41 sold lots). Some prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium.

### What is the average price of a Ray Metzker photograph?

Based on 43 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a Ray Metzker photograph is $3,500. Some prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium.

### What is Ray Metzker's most expensive photograph?

The highest price recorded at auction for a Ray Metzker photograph is $22,500.

### What is the average price of a small Ray Metzker photograph?

Based on 41 sold lots, the median auction price of a small Ray Metzker photograph (small (under 50 cm)) is $3,500, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results. Some prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium.

### What is Ray Metzker's auction record?

Ray Metzker's auction record is $22,500, set in 2013.

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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, “Ray Metzker auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/ray-metzker (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.