Rating and value of works, sculptures by Louis Ernest Barrias

If you own a work by or about the artist Louis Ernest Barrias, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its current market value. Then, if you wish to sell your work, we'll guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.

Rating and value of the artist Louis Ernest Barrias

Considered one of the last classical sculptors in France, Barrias gained recognition during his lifetime. He followed in the artistic footsteps of François Jouffroy. His legacy therefore consists mainly of sculptures in a variety of materials, especially marble. Today, prices for his works are steadily rising under auctioneers' gavels. His sculptures are prized above all by French and American buyers, and the price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €45 to €355,000 - a considerable delta, but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to the works of Louis Ernest Barrias. In 2022, one of his marble sculptures sold for €355,000, whereas it was estimated at between €20,000 and €30,000.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious

Style and technique of artist Louis Ernest Barrias

The artist was part of the sculptural neoclassicism movement, becoming one of the most famous and sought-after sculptors of his time. He worked extensively in marble and bronze, the latter being the material most frequently featured in his works at auction.

The life of Louis Ernest Barrias 

French artist Louis Ernest Barrias (1841-1905) became an important figure in the 20th-century art world, particularly as a monument decorator. Born into a family of artists, his father was a porcelain painter. His brother was Félix-Jospeh Barrias, a well-known painter of the 19th century.

He was naturally drawn to a career in the arts at an early age, but didn't yet know which art form to experiment with. He studied in the studios of sculptor Jules Cavelier and painter Léon Cogniet. Painting did not suit him, and François Jouffroy became his teacher. In 1861, he was awarded the second Prix de Rome. Four years later, he was awarded the Prix de Rome for his work La fondation de Marseille, which established his reputation. Shortly afterwards, he was hired on the construction site of the Garnier opera house. He spent time at the Académie de France in Rome, where he drew inspiration from some of the greatest names in the field. On his return, he was one of France's most promising artists.

He replaces Auguste Dumont at the Institut de France at the end of his career, and is promoted to Commander of the Légion d'Honneur. Finally, he was appointed Professor at the Beaux-Arts de Paris.

Louis Ernest Barrias' imprint on his period  

Louis Ernest Barrias proved in France that classical sculpture was still alive and well. Like the Italians of the Renaissance, he drew inspiration from antique subjects and used their techniques. On today's art market, his bronzes are highly prized, and his marbles even more so.

Recognizing the signature of Louis Ernest Barrias

Usually, the artist's works are signed and dated at bottom right or left on the reliefs, and on or under the pedestal for the statue.

Knowing the value of a work 

If you happen to own a work by or after Louis Ernest Barrias, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using the form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your work, as well as any relevant information about it. If you're thinking of selling your work, our specialists will also be on hand to offer you alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.