James Jean (Taiwanese, b.1979)

Art

Who is artist James Jean?

James Jean is a multidisciplinary artist who is best known for his award-winning covers for DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Not confined to the comic space, Jean has also done notable commercial work for Time Magazine, The New York Times, ESPN, Rolling Stone, Playboy, Knopf, and many others. His covers for Fables and The Umbrella Academy have netted him six Eisner Awards for Best Cover Artist. Since 2008, Jean retired from illustration to focus on his painting career -- abstract works that combine aspects of memory, baroque painting techniques, and even Japanese woodblock prints.

James Jean has won many awards throughout his career. He’s won seven Eisner awards (three as a cover artist), three Harvey Awards, two gold and a silver medal from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, and one gold medal from the Society of Illustrators of New York. His poster art has been used for The Shape of Water, Blade Runner 2049, and the Darren Aronofsky film, mother! He has exhibited at Jonathan Levine’s gallery, Martha Otero Gallery, Tilton, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and many others.

What kind of art does James Jean make?

Up until 2008, James Jean was best known for his comic art and commercial illustration work. Since that date, Jean has moved on from these mediums to focus on painting. These pieces are far removed from Jean’s previous work, with layered compositions that walk the thin veil between the waking world and the dreaming one. His art pulls on disparate influences, from Baroque paintings to Japanese woodblock prints to Chinese silk scroll painting techniques. His command of the form is impressive, and a natural evolution from his earlier work in comics and commercial illustration.

How did painter James Jean get started?

James Jean was born in Taiwan in 1979 but soon immigrated to New Jersey with his family. Early in his life, Jean focused on music -- with early success playing the piano and trumpet. Eventually, he turned to visual arts, graduating from the School of Visual Arts in New York in 2001. Almost immediately upon graduation, Jean received work as a cover artist for both DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Some of his most notable series from that time include Fables and The Umbrella Academy -- both of which would net him a total of six Eisner awards for Best Cover Artist. In 2008, Jean decided to retire from illustration so that he could focus on painting, a practice that he continues to this day.

How much are James Jean paintings worth?

A James Jean piece can range from around $3,000 for a painting to over $30,000 for a major cover. The most valuable James Jean art ever sold at auction was Fables #53 Cover Original Art (2006) which sold for $33,600 on January 15th, 2021. It was sold by Heritage Auctions. Heritage Auctions has an extensive history with James Jean and has sold his top 12 highest-selling works in the US. Other notables include Fables #6 (2002) which sold for $15,600 on November 22nd, 2019, and an X-Men Trading Card Set Preliminary Original Art (2006) which sold for $12,600 on January 16th, 2021.

Where to buy James Jean paintings for sale?

See works for sale below. Why buy from Heritage? Art buyers feel confident because our experts know the market and put careful valuations on artwork for sale. We make the bidding process easier to help you expand your art collection.

How to value James Jean paintings?

The best way to value art is to compare past auction prices for similar works. View past sale prices below. When you’re ready to sell, contact Heritage Auctions to request an auction estimate of the likely selling price at auction. If you need a formal written appraisal for estate planning or insurance, please contact our Appraisal Services Department.