Letterio Calapai Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Letterio Calapai Art Value Price Guide

May. 29, 2026
LETTERIO CALAPAI (1902-1993)
Est: $75 - $100
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993), "The Bridge from Columbiat Hts., 1936 42/100". Artist signed. Etching. 13" x 11".
Copake Auction Inc.
May. 28, 2026
LETTERIO CALAPAI, NEW YORK, ILLINOIS, MASSACHUSETTS 1902–1993, UNDER THE BIG TOP, Intaglio print (etching and aquatint), Plate: 8 3/4 x 6 in. (22.2 x 15.2 cm.), Frame: 15 5/8 x 12 in. (39.7 x 30.5 cm.)
Est: $200 - $300
LETTERIO CALAPAI NEW YORK, ILLINOIS, MASSACHUSETTS, 1902–1993 UNDER THE BIG TOP Intaglio print (etching and aquatint) Lower left titled: Under The Big Top; lower right signed: L.Calapai Catalogue note: Letterio "Leo" Calapai is best known as a printmaker of the American Realist movement. He was born in Boston to Sicilian immigrant parents; received a degree in painting from the Massachusetts Normal Art School and took courses at the American Artists School and Art Students League in New York. The artist had his first one-man exhibition at the Montross Gallery in New York in 1933, and later expanded his work, drawing on the literary works of William Carlos Williams and Thomas Wolfe as subjects. Between 1935 and 1943, Calapai completed works for the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration, and worked at the progressive printmaking studio 'Atelier 17', where he became interested in social realism, German Expressionism, and Post-Expressionism. In 1960, Calapai established a printmaking workshop in the neighborhood of Greenwich Village, and continued to teach at local institutions, including NYU and The New School for Social Research. Calapai moved to Chicago in 1962 to teach at the University of Illinois and set up a studio in nearby Glencoe. Collections: Metropolitan Museum of Art; Philadelphia Museum of Art; Brooklyn Museum; Whitney Museum of Art; Art Institute of Chicago; National Gallery of Art, Washington DC.
Potomack Company
Apr. 16, 2026
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993), 11:45 P.M, 1947.
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993) 11:45 P.M. Engraving, etching and aquatint with hand-coloring in watercolor, 1947. Signed, titled, dated and numbered 10/20 in pencil, lower margin. With the artist's blind stamp, lower right.
Swann Auction Galleries
Mar. 21, 2026
Letterio Calapai (American, 1902-1993) etching
Est: $300 - $500
Sky and Wave intaglio in colors, 1952, signed, dated, titled and numbered 10/30 in pencil. 8 5/8 x 6''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Mar. 08, 2026
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993) "The City"
Est: $500 - $750
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993) "The City" Woodcut in Color. Pencil signed and dated ('57) lower right. Pencil titled and numbered (16/30) lower left. Image Size: 24.25 x 18.25 in. Sheet Size: 28.25 x 21.5 in. Unframed. Calapai was a master printmake who helped start Atelier 17 in New York. He was particulary known for his wood engravings.
Helmuth Stone
Jan. 29, 2026
Letterio Calapai, 11:45 P.M., 1947.
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993) 11:45 P.M. Relief print from an intaglio plate in violet ink, 1947. A unique color variation, aside from the edition of 35 printed in black. Signed, titled, dated and inscribed "Intaglio + Relief print - B." and "Unique print - 1 of 2" in pencil, lower margin.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 25, 2025
Letterio Calapai (American, 1902-1993) woodcut
Est: $600 - $900
Nocturne II woodcut in color, 1958, signed, dated, titled and numbered 26/30 in pencil. 13 1/2 x 10 1/4''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Oct. 25, 2025
Letterio Calapai (American, 1902-1993) etching
Est: $800 - $1,200
11:45 P. M. etching and aquatint, 1947, signed, dated, titled and numbered 13/35 in pencil. 19 5/8 x 11 7/8''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Oct. 02, 2025
LETTERIO CALAPAI, NEW YORK, ILLINOIS, MASSACHUSETTS 1902–1993, UNDER THE BIG TOP, Intaglio print, Plate: 8 3/4 x 6 in. (22.2 x 15.2 cm.), Frame: 15 5/8 x 12 in. (39.7 x 30.5 cm.)
Est: $400 - $600
LETTERIO CALAPAI NEW YORK, ILLINOIS, MASSACHUSETTS, 1902–1993 UNDER THE BIG TOP Intaglio print Lower left titled: Under The Big Top; lower right signed: L.Calapai
Potomack Company
Sep. 28, 2025
Letterio Calapai (American, 1902 - 1993) "Summer"
Est: $250 - $450
Letterio Calapai (American, 1902 - 1993) "Summer" - 1990 Wood Engraving. Pencil titled, dated, numbered (50/50) and signed lower margin. Image Size: 10.75 x 7.25 in. Matting Size: 16.75 x 13 in. Unframed. Calapai was a master printmake who helped start Atelier 17 in New York. He was particulary known for his wood engravings.
Helmuth Stone
Sep. 20, 2025
Letterio Calapai (American, 1901-1993) etching
Est: $150 - $250
Under the Big Top etching and aquatint, signed and titled in pencil. 8 7/8 x 6"
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
May. 24, 2025
Letterio CALAPAI: "8:30 Express".
Est: $150 - $200
Letterio CALAPAI (American, 1901-1993): "8:30 Express". Woodcut on thin laid paper, 1943-44. One of 4 impressions of the cancelled plate, after the edition of 27. The cancellation mark was added by the artist in the lower left image corner (indicated with a pencil arrow in the margin). Initialed, titled, numbered, and annotated in pencil in the lower margin. Image size: 5 1/4 x 8 1/2 inches.
Armstrong Fine Art
May. 22, 2025
Letterio Calapai Intaglio S/N [Allegretto]
Est: $100 - $200
Letterio Calapai (American, 1902-1993) four color intaglio pencil signed and dated '78 lower right, titled 'Allegretto' and numbered 15/75 lower left. Image measures 8.875 in. x 11.5 in. Unframed, loose, not mounted or glued down. Sheet measure 13.25 in. H x 16.625 in. W for shipping purposes. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the conditions of aging. Photos may also act as a condition report. Please review all photos closely prior to bidding and ask further questions if so desired.
Grant Zahajko Auctions, LLC
Mar. 22, 2025
Letterio Calapai (American, 1902-1993) woodcut
Est: $700 - $1,000
Nocturne II woodcut in color, 1958, signed, dated, titled and numbered 14/30 in pencil. 13 1/2 x 10 1/4''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Mar. 22, 2025
Letterio Calapai (American, 1902-1993) etching
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
11:45 P. M. etching and aquatint, 1947, signed, dated, titled and numbered 30/35 in pencil. 19 5/8 x 11 7/8''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Jan. 30, 2025
LETTERIO CALAPAI (1901 - 1993) Eight-thirty Express.
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
LETTERIO CALAPAI (1901 - 1993) Eight-thirty Express. Wood engraving, 1943. 131x215 mm; 5 1/8x8½ inches, full margins. Artist's proof aside from the edition of 27. Signed, titled, dated and inscribed "Artist's proof" in pencil, lower margin.
Swann Auction Galleries
Nov. 29, 2024
Letterio Calapai, End of Summer, Etching and Aquatint
Est: $550 - $650
Artist: Letterio Calapai (American, 1901 - 1993), Title: End of Summer, Medium: Etching and Aquatint, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: AP, Size: 22.5 x 27.5 in. (57.15 x 69.85 cm), Frame Size: 31 x 33.5 inches
RoGallery
Nov. 19, 2024
LETTERIO CALAPAI (1902-1993) - 11:45 P.M.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
LETTERIO CALAPAI (1902-1993) 11:45 P.M. Image: 19 ¾ x 11 ¾ in. (502 x 299 mm.) Sheet: 23 ¾ x 15 7⁄8 in. (603 x 403 mm.)
Christie's
Oct. 19, 2024
Letterio Calapai (American, 1902-1993) woodcut
Est: $300 - $600
The Bridge, Columbia Heights, 1936 wood engraving, 1984, signed, titled, dated and numbered 36/100 in pencil. 8 x 6"
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Oct. 19, 2024
Letterio Calapai (American, 1902-1993) wood engraving
Est: $500 - $800
8:30 A. M. Express wood engraving, 1943, signed, titled and annotated artist's proof in pencil. 5 1/2 x 8"
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Oct. 19, 2024
Letterio Calapai (American, 1901-1993) linocut
Est: $400 - $700
Harlem Nights linocut, 1932, signed, titled, dated and numbered 16/35 in pencil. 5 1/2 x 6"
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Aug. 24, 2024
Letterio Calapai (American 1902-1993) "Below the Bridge", 1983 Woodcut, edition 51/75 Signed and dated lower right L.Calapai '83, embossed stamp lower right 7" x 9"
Est: $200 - $400
Letterio Calapai (American 1902-1993) "Below the Bridge", 1983 Woodcut, edition 51/75 Signed and dated lower right L.Calapai '83, embossed stamp lower right 7" x 9"
Nadeau's Auction Gallery
Jan. 25, 2024
LETTERIO CALAPAI (1901-1993) 11:45 P.M.
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
LETTERIO CALAPAI (1901-1993) 11:45 P.M. Etching, engraving and aquatint, 1947. 500x301 mm; 19¾x11 7/8 inches, full margins. Signed, titled and numbered 2/35 in pencil, lower margin. A very good, richly-inked impression. Among Calapai's best known images, this print combines elements from his traditional study at the Art Students League, New York, with the influence of Stanley W. Hayter's Atelier 17, where Calapai worked in 1946-47.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jan. 25, 2024
LETTERIO CALAPAI (1901-1993) Eight-thirty Express.
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
LETTERIO CALAPAI (1901-1993) Eight-thirty Express. Wood engraving, 1944. 135x218 mm; 5¼x8 5/8 inches, full margins. Signed, titled and numbered 23/27 in pencil, lower margin.. A very good impression with strong contrasts. A native of Boston and born to Sicilian immigrants, Calapai graduated from East Boston High School and the Massachusetts Normal Art School. The Boston-based artist Charles Hopkinson financially supported Calapi's work, allowing him to move to New York to pursue a career as in painting and lithography. Calapai produced murals for the Federal Arts Project, including The Evolution of Communications in American Wars, circa 1937, at the 101st Signal Battalion, 801 Dean Street, Brooklyn.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jan. 11, 2024
American Pastel - "Bright Morning, Stonington, ME"
Est: $600 - $900
Attributed to Letterio Calapai (Italian-American, 1901-1993). "Bright Morning, Stonington, ME. 7-30-86" pastel. Title with date inscribed at lower left. Signed "L.C. 86" at lower right. A beautiful pastel of scenic Stonington, Maine - a lovely coastal town located on the southern portion of Deer Isle - attributed to Letterio Calapai. The composition is rendered in a lively palette and an expressive manner that truly transports the viewer to this special place. Maine has attracted artists and other creative souls ever since the 19th century thanks to its breathtaking vistas as well as a sense of solitude stemming from its cherished remoteness. Size: 9" L x 11.5" W (22.9 cm x 29.2 cm) Size: 15.5" L x 18.125" W (39.4 cm x 46 cm) Letterio Calapai was a painter as well as a printmaker. His works oftentimes addressed social, political, literary, labor, and religious themes as well as non-objective designs and rural landscapes like this example. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Calapai studied at the Massachusetts School of Art and at the School of Fine Arts and Crafts in Boston. In 1928, he went to New York City, studied at the Art Students League, and achieved immense success as an artist for the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Calapai's work has been collected by important museums and institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Fogg Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Library of Congress, New York Public Library, the Bibliotheque Nationale de France, Crystal Bridges and more. Provenance: private Golden, Colorado, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #183065
Artemis Gallery
Dec. 14, 2023
Letterio Calapai (American, 1902-1993) Aerialists, 1989
Est: $800 - $1,200
Letterio Calapai (American, 1902-1993) Aerialists, 1989 etching and aquatint signed, titled, dated, inscribed '(H.C.) Trial proof,' and dedicated in pencil 13 3/4 x 16 1/2 inches.
Hindman
Nov. 14, 2023
Letterio Calapai (American 1902–1993), Poem I, Etching and Aquatint, Signed l.r., titled and numbered 2/75 l.l., Frame: 16 3/4 x 18 in. (42.5 x 45.7 cm.)
Est: $200 - $400
Letterio Calapai (American 1902–1993), Poem I, Etching and Aquatint, Signed l.r., titled and numbered 2/75 l.l.,
Weschler's
Oct. 19, 2023
LETTERIO CALAPAI (New York/Illinois/Massachusetts, 1902-1993), "11:45 P.M.", 1947., Relief print from an intaglio plate, 19.75" x 12". Unframed.
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
LETTERIO CALAPAI New York/Illinois/Massachusetts, 1902-1993 "11:45 P.M.", 1947. Signed, titled, dated and inscribed "Relief print in Blue-Blk.)" in pencil lower margin. A unique print, aside from the edition of 35.
Eldred's
Oct. 15, 2023
Letterio 'Leo' Calapai (American, 1901-1993) Wood Engraving Collection
Est: $400 - $600
Letterio 'Leo' Calapai (American, 1901-1993) Wood Engraving Collection (22) undated items, pencil signed lower right, mostly depicting Biblical scenes; together with an unsigned 'Labor in a Diesel Plant' Property from: a Private Collector, Addison, Illinois Category: Fine Art > Prints & Multiples Estimated Sale Time: 11:28 am CST Shipping Status: Leonard Auction, Inc. will provide direct shipping for this lot. Please visit our website for a shipping estimate. Last modified: September 26, 2023, 10:44 am
Leonard Auction
Oct. 07, 2023
Letterio Calapai, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts (1902 - 1993), collection of greeting cards, 13 aquatints, etchings, and woodcuts, 5 1/2"H x 4"W (plate), 7"H x 5"W (sheet) (Chimera)
Est: $300 - $400
Letterio Calapai New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, (1902 - 1993) collection of greeting cards 13 aquatints, etchings, and woodcuts Cards include inscriptions. Untitled, 1966: numbered 6/50, signed, and dated right. Untitled, 1967: signed lower right. Jack Frost II, 1969: titled lower left, numbered 44/200 lower middle, signed lower right. Untitled, 1973: numbered 8/100 lower left, signed lower right. Untitled, 1975: signed lower right. Chimera, 1976: titled and numbered 10/72 lower left, signed lower right. Sunset in Sunset, ME, 1978: titled lower left, numbered 45/75 lower middle, signed and dated lower right. Noel, 1979: signed lower right. Jeweled City, 1982: Titled and numbered 34/60 lower left, signed and dated lower right. Re-birth, 1984: titled and numbered 30/60 lower left, signed lower right. Happy New Year, 1984: signed and dated lower right. Halley's Comes to Town, 1985/86: numbered 30/75 lower left, signed lower right. Sprouts: signed lower right.
Ripley Auctions
Aug. 20, 2023
Letterio 'Leo' Calapai (American, 1901-1993) Wood Engraving Collection
Est: $600 - $800
Letterio 'Leo' Calapai (American, 1901-1993) Wood Engraving Collection (22) undated items, pencil signed lower right, mostly depicting Biblical scenes; together with an unsigned 'Labor in a Diesel Plant' Property from: an Estate, Deerfield, Illinois Category: Fine Art > Fine Art Estimated Sale Time: 11:03 am CST Shipping Status: Leonard Auction, Inc. will provide direct shipping for this lot. Please visit our website for a shipping estimate. Last modified: August 8, 2023, 10:28 am
Leonard Auction
Jul. 26, 2023
Letterio Calapai 1902-1993 Erotic Engraving SIGNED
Est: $50 - $150
Letterio Calapai (American, 1902-1993). A limited edition aquatint engraving, with open bite embossing, and photo plates on paper. Titled "Ozymandias." A monochrome abstract montage including an erotic nude encounter with male and female figures. Signed lower right, titled lower left, with limited edition 11/50. Presented in a silvered wood frame. Work Size: 15 x 12 in. Dimensions: 22.75 X 19 X .5 in. Condition: Good overall condition with mild to average age toning and surface wear. Frame having average storage wear to edges and corners. Estate fresh to the market. Shipping: Hill Auction Gallery offers in-house ground contiguous USA domestic shipping, excluding New Mexico, for $95 plus insurance. Gallery will refer third party shippers for international buyers. Purchaser pick up available upon request.
Hill Auction Gallery
Jun. 15, 2023
LETTERIO CALAPAI - 8:30 EXPRESS
Est: $600 - $800
Lot 61 Letterio Calapai American (1901-1993) 8:30 Express (1944) wood engraving signed lower right, artist's monogram in matrix at lower right, editioned 23/27 block: 5 1/8 x 8 1/2 inches sheet: 10 1/8 x 13 inches unframed Provenance: From the Estate of Francis Boucher Purchased from June 1 Gallery Bethlehem, CT on March 9, 1985
Capsule Gallery Auction
Jun. 14, 2023
LETTERIO CALAPAI (New York/Illinois/Massachusetts, 1902-1993), "11:45 P.M.", 1947., Relief print from an intaglio plate, 19.75" x 12". Unframed.
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
LETTERIO CALAPAI New York/Illinois/Massachusetts, 1902-1993 "11:45 P.M.", 1947. Signed, titled, dated and inscribed "(Intaglio + Relief print -A)" in pencil, lower margin. A unique print, aside from the edition of 35.
Eldred's
May. 31, 2023
Letterio Calapai 1902-1993 Erotic Engraving SIGNED
Est: $100 - $1,000
Letterio Calapai (American, 1902-1993). A limited edition aquatint engraving, with open bite embossing, and photo plates on paper. Titled "Ozymandias." A monochrome abstract montage including an erotic nude encounter with male and female figures. Signed lower right, titled lower left, with limited edition 11/50. Presented in a silvered wood frame. Work Size: 15 x 12 in. Dimensions: 22.75 X 19 X .5 in. Condition: Good overall condition with mild to average age toning and surface wear. Frame having average storage wear to edges and corners. Estate fresh to the market. Shipping: Hill Auction Gallery offers in-house ground contiguous USA domestic shipping, excluding New Mexico, for $95 plus insurance. Gallery will refer third party shippers for international buyers. Purchaser pick up available upon request. Got something to sell? Contact us at HillAuctionGallery.com
Hill Auction Gallery
Apr. 04, 2023
LETTERIO CALAPAI, AMERICAN (1902-1993) ETCHING
Est: $50 - $1,000
Etching and aquatint. "Sky and Wave," 1/20. Signed, titled, and numbered lower edge. Unframed. Including folder from The Collection of Dr. Anthony J. Sisti, The Sisti Galleries. Dimensions: (Paper) H 11.25" x W 8.25" Condition: Toning. Few handling marks to paper. Top two corners with previous mounting remnants adhered.
Westport Auction
Mar. 25, 2023
Letterio Calapai intaglio in colors
Est: $400 - $600
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993) ''Sky and Wave'' intaglio in colors, 1952, signed, dated, titled and numbered 20/30 in pencil, very good condition. 8 5/8 x 6''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Mar. 25, 2023
Letterio Calapai etching
Est: $400 - $600
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993) ''Bird Dream'' etching in colors, 1952, signed, titled, dated and numbered 7/30 in pencil, good condition. 5 3/8 x 9 3/4''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Mar. 25, 2023
Letterio Calapai intaglio
Est: $400 - $600
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993) ''Arioso Dolente'' intaglio, 1952, signed, dated, titled and numbered 6/50 in pencil, very good condition. 13 x 9''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Mar. 25, 2023
Letterio Calapai intaglio
Est: $500 - $800
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993) ''Transubstantiation'' intaglio, 1951, signed, dated, titled and numbered 20/50 in pencil, very good condition. 15 1/2 x 10''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Mar. 25, 2023
Letterio Calapai etching
Est: $400 - $600
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993) ''Celestial Counterpoints'' etching and aquatint, 1949, signed, dated, titled and annotated 'Trial Color Proof' in pencil, edition of 25, very minor soiling in margins. 17 1/2 x 15 7/8''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Mar. 25, 2023
Letterio Calapai etching
Est: $300 - $600
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993) ''Dream of the Unforeseen'' etching, 1947, signed, dated, titled and numbered 20/50 in pencil, very good condition. 11 x 17''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Mar. 25, 2023
Letterio Calapai intaglio
Est: $300 - $500
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993) ''Counter Movements #7'' intaglio, 1946, signed, titled, dated and numbered 5/35 in pencil, very good condition. 9 x 12''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Feb. 16, 2023
LETTERIO CALAPAI (1902-1993) 11:45pm.
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
LETTERIO CALAPAI (1902-1993) 11:45pm. Relief print from an intaglio plate in violet ink. 502x302 mm; 19 3/4x11 7/8 inches, full margins. A unique color variation, aside from the edition of 35 printed in black. Signed, dated, titled, inscribed "Unique print - 2 of 2" and with printer's instructions, lower margin. 1947. A very good, richly inked impression. Among Calapai's best known images, this print combines elements from his traditional study at the Art Students League, New York, with the influence of Stanley W. Hayter's Atelier 17, where Calapai worked in 1946-47.
Swann Auction Galleries
Feb. 04, 2023
Letterio Calapai etching
Est: $200 - $400
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993) ''Exodus Chapter 14''- etching in colors, 1967, signed, titled and annotated 'artist's proof' in pencil, edition of 30, very slightly light struck. 17 3/4 x 26 3/4''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Feb. 04, 2023
Letterio Calapai etching in colors
Est: $400 - $600
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993) ''La Valse''- etching in colors, 1951, signed, dated, titled and numbered 36/50 in pencil, very good condition. 23 x 17 3/4'' ea.
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Feb. 04, 2023
2 Letterio Calapai etchings
Est: $300 - $500
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993) ''Circus I'' & ''Circus II''- 2 etchings in colors, 1950, both signed, titled and numbered in pencil, editions of 50, very good condition. 9 x 6'' ea.
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Feb. 04, 2023
Letterio Calapai etching
Est: $600 - $900
Letterio Calapai (1902-1993) ''Aerialists''- etching in colors, 1949, signed, dated, titled 'Aerialists (Xst)' and numbered vi/VIII in pencil, good condition. 13 5/8x 16 3/4''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts