Lucio Fontana: The Master of Slashes and His Revolution in Collecting
From slashing the canvas to creating spatial revolution, Lucio Fontana transformed modern art. Discover why his works are among the most sought-after and collected on the international art market.
Born in 1899 in Rosario, Argentina, Lucio Fontana developed his artistic career between Latin America and Italy. After starting as a sculptor, he settled in Milan after World War II, where he founded the Spatialist movement. Here, Fontana conceived his revolutionary idea of the slash: a gesture that transcends painting and becomes a conceptual act, inviting viewers to move beyond the surface of the canvas and “go beyond” the work.
The Market for Slashes and Holes
Fontana is now one of the most collected and appreciated Italian artists worldwide. According to Artprice, his works consistently rank among the top 10 Italian artists for auction turnover. His famous “Concetti Spaziali,” including both Slashes and Holes, have seen an average growth of +90% between 2014 and 2024, often exceeding €1 million at auction.
In 2022, a red “Concetto Spaziale, Attese” was sold by Sotheby’s for over €2 million, while a rare black Slash exceeded €4 million at Christie’s. The market for works on paper, drawings, and signed ceramics by Fontana has grown by +70% since 2015, offering opportunities for collectors with more moderate budgets.
Another interesting fact: Fontana’s prices held firm even during periods of economic uncertainty, with record sales during the COVID-19 pandemic. This resilience confirms the solidity of his market even in times of global volatility.
Why Collect Lucio Fontana Today
Fontana represents a milestone in contemporary art: his gesture of the slash revolutionized the concept of painting, anticipating themes such as space, perception, and infinity. Collecting a Fontana means owning a piece of art history that dialogues with any modern or contemporary collection.
His presence in major museums worldwide—from MoMA to Centre Pompidou, from Tate Modern to Fondazione Prada—and dedicated exhibitions make him an essential name for any serious collector. The value of his works, supported by limited production and rigorous archiving, offers both solidity and long-term growth potential.
Lucio Fontana is more than an artist; he is a fundamental chapter in 20th-century art. With Collecto, you can access selected Fontana works, carefully certified and preserved, bringing the essence of Spatialism and the signature of a master who shaped art history into your collection.
