What Do Artists Make That Sells for Hundreds of Euros?

Original work isn’t just about “artistic added value.” For many items, prices in the hundreds of euros are driven up by limited editions, the production technique, the maker’s time and skill, provenance guarantees, and often the fact that these are works you can frame, wear, or use. Below is an overview of the kinds of things people commonly buy for hundreds of euros—along with an explanation of what pushes the price up, and links to sources where you can learn more about the market.

Limited-edition prints (screenprints, linocuts, lithographs)

Limited-edition prints are an entry point into the art world for many collectors. Value is influenced by edition size, the artist’s signature, and the artist’s reputation; that’s why prints are often priced in the hundreds of euros—and for sought-after artists, even higher. Reputable auction houses explain that pricing is determined by a combination of edition size, condition, technique, and the artist’s track record, and that there’s no universal formula—it’s nuanced and negotiated between the publisher and the artist. Sotheby’s guide to Prints & Multiples also breaks this down in detail.

Consumer-oriented guides can also help you get your bearings when making “entry-level” purchases. The Guardian, for example, notes that editioned works at fairs and in accessible galleries commonly range from a few dozen to a few hundred pounds—roughly €60 to €600—while unique paintings are typically much more expensive.

Watch: how art prints are made (video)

This short introduction from MoMA shows the main processes (relief, intaglio, lithography) and why printmaking is a fully fledged authorial medium.

Limited-edition photography (fine art prints)

Photographs are often sold in limited editions, where price is influenced by the number of prints, size, paper choice, and how the work is framed. Curators and dealers point out that some artists tier their prices based on the order in which prints sell within an edition, meaning later prints cost more; and for iconic images, whether it’s a “vintage” print made close to the time the negative was created can significantly affect value. Artsy’s guide explains all of this and also offers practical tips on how to ask about editions, provenance, and materials. In practice, typical fine art photographs by established yet still accessible artists often fall into the low hundreds of euros, while larger formats and bigger names go higher.

Watch: what to look for when buying photographs (quick guide)

Artsy explains editions, formats, and what to ask at a gallery before you buy.

Read our simple guide: How to buy fine art photographs?

Studio glass and ceramics (Murano and beyond)

Hand-blown glass vases, bowls, or sculptures—and studio ceramics—combine material, design, and a craft technique that can’t be replicated industrially. Murano glass, for instance, shows that original pieces from renowned workshops commonly sell for hundreds of euros (and, for special techniques or larger objects, into the thousands). Retail catalogs for 100% handmade production list vase objects at price levels from roughly €115 to €500 and up, and these are authentic pieces with guaranteed provenance.

Watch: hand-blown glass in practice (feature)

A Business Insider feature explains the techniques of Murano glass masters and why the result is so highly valued.

Collectible art toys and designer figurines (e.g., BE@RBRICK, KAWS)

Limited-edition vinyl figures designed by artists and design brands have become a category of collecting in their own right. Larger formats and collaborations with established creators commonly sell for hundreds of euros; price is driven by size, edition, and the hype around a particular release. A Sotheby’s overview explains why BE@RBRICK is considered a “cult” object, how the sizing works (100%, 400%, 1000%), and how editions affect price and collector demand.

Watch: a quick introduction to collecting BE@RBRICK

This beginner-friendly video guide explains sizes, editions, and practical buying tips.

How to recognize a fair price and avoid getting fooled

For editioned works (prints, photographs), check the edition size, whether the work is signed, and whether you’ll receive a certificate. Higher prices are justified for smaller editions, high-quality printing, and a well-known artist; more affordable works tend to come from emerging artists or larger editions. Buyer guides recommend asking about provenance and condition and comparing prices across galleries and reputable online platforms—also because some sellers raise prices based on the order of sale within an edition.

For craft-based art objects (glass, ceramics), paying hundreds of euros for a piece is legitimate when provenance, technique, and workmanship quality are clear. Reputable shops and studios list materials and techniques transparently; with Murano, look for origin seals and detailed product descriptions that match what you’re buying.

If you’re looking for “entry-level” works in the hundreds of euros, it’s worth following fairs and showcases focused on affordable art, where the pricing is transparent and sellers are ready to advise on framing, transport, and insurance. Consumer guides for first-time buyers recommend setting a budget and choosing a high-quality smaller piece rather than a larger compromise.

Note on names and artist names: The general advice and price ranges mentioned in the text are based on the cited sources; specific prices vary depending on the edition, format, condition, and the artist’s reputation.

Sources

1. Sotheby’s – Everything you always wanted to know about Prints & Multiples: https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/everything-you-always-wanted-to-know-about-prints-multiples
2. Artsy – How to Buy Photographs for Your Home (experts’ tips): https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-buy-photographs-experts
3. Original Venice Shop – Murano glass vases (price examples in €): https://originalveniceshop.com/en/collections/murano-vases
4. Sotheby’s – All About Bearbricks: The Ultimate Collectible (overview of the art-toy market): https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/all-about-bearbricks-the-ultimate-collectible
5. The Guardian – Picture perfect: how to buy art at prices you can afford (indicative ranges for editions): https://www.theguardian.com/money/2024/oct/12/picture-buy-art-prices-galleries-fairs