Rating and value of Russian paintings and drawings by Franz Roubaud

If you own a work by or based on the artist Franz Roubaud and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers can help you.

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 want to sell your work, we'll point you in the right direction to get the best possible price for it.

Artist's rating and value

A great painter of the armies associated with the Russian wars and battles of the early 20th century, Franz Roubaud established himself as a major artist of his time. A French painter born in the Russian Empire, he produced mainly battle scenes associated with the great conflicts of his era.

On the art market, his works sell for very good prices and maintain a stable value. A work signed by the artist can fetch tens of thousands of euros at auction, as demonstrated by his oil on canvas Marché aux chevaux oriental, which sold for €200,000 in 2021, whereas it was estimated at between €60,000 and €100,000.  

Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious

The artist's works and style

Roubaud has created a striking iconography that has greatly contributed to anchoring the Russian battles of the early 20th century in the collective imagination.

His work has helped to popularize and visually convey history, enabling a wide audience to familiarize themselves with the events and characters of the Russian imperial era.

He produced drawings and oils on canvas, but no prints or lithographs have yet appeared on the auction market. He remains just as famous, however, for his talents as a watercolorist.

The life of Franz Roubaud

Franz Alexeïevitch Roubaud (1856-1928) was a French-born Russian and German painter who produced numerous paintings depicting battle scenes from the Russian Empire, as well as a number of Orientalist works that are equally sought-after.

The son of a bookseller father and a seamstress mother, both French, he was born in Odessa in the Russian Empire, his parents having moved there to work. Roubaud attended the city's art school. In 1877, he left for Germany to study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich.

It was there, thanks to one of his teachers, that he specialized in military painting, a genre he kept up throughout his career. He then chose to return to his native St. Petersburg, where he obtained a position at the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts.

Here, he received panoramic commissions to depict historic battles, which were to become the basis of his success and renown. In 1889, he was ennobled by the Russian Empire, enabling him to receive commissions from Emperors Alexander III and Nicholas II.

He exhibited at the Great Berlin Art Exhibition in 1895, where he won a gold medal. At the St. Petersburg Academy, he became a permanent professor between 1903 and 1912. After this date, he moved back to Munich, where he ended his career.

Like other Russian artists, including Mikhail Guermacheff, Ivan Aïvazovsky or Constantin MakovskijAlthough not very well known in France, it attracts many collectors every year.

Understand the scope of your production

War painting in Russia

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Russian war and battle painting was distinguished by a rich and diversified output, marked by the work of numerous artists who were highly regarded and important on the art market.

These paintings, often grandiose and impressive in both size and craftsmanship, offer a unique perspective on the conflicts that shaped the history of the Russian Empire and the wars of the early 20th century, while reflecting the national aspirations and artistic sensibilities of the time.

Franz Alexeyevich Roubaud, for example, is one of the most emblematic painters of this period. Trained by a specialist at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts, he quickly turned to military painting. His works, including Panorama of the Battle of Borodino, have become essential references for Russian military painting.

These panoramas allow viewers to be plunged into the heart of historical events, thanks to a circular composition that surrounds the observer. Roubaud's attention to detail, historical accuracy and technical mastery give his works an authenticity and depth that leave no one indifferent.

Other Russian painters of the same period, such as Vasily Vereshchagin and Nikolai Samokish, also made their contribution to the art of war. Vereshchagin, in particular, is known for his uncompromising depictions of the horrors of war, depicting the violence and massacres of the period.

His paintings, often marked by great emotional intensity, illustrate the suffering of soldiers and the tragic consequences of battle. Far from glorifying conflict, Vereshchagin takes a more critical approach, denouncing the violence and absurdity of war through realistic, poignant scenes.

Nikolai Samokish specializes in equestrian scenes and cavalry charges. His talent lies in his ability to capture the movement and energy of battles, resulting in dynamic, vibrant compositions. Samokish's paintings are highly regarded for their realism and attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of horses and military uniforms. 

Although often commissioned to celebrate the Empire's military victories, these battle paintings do more than simply glorify war. They also offer a more nuanced reflection on the complexity of conflict.

The artists succeed in illustrating not only the courage and heroism of the soldiers, but also the suffering, loss and chaos inherent in each battle. So, beyond their historical value, these paintings are also important testimonies to military events and the reality of war. 

The aesthetics and composition of these works are also essential elements in their appreciation. The way in which the artists work and manage to juxtapose colors, light and shadows on the same plane, or the balance of proportions and perspective, all contribute to the visual power of each painting.

For example, the skilful use of light to accentuate the dramatic tension or oppressive atmosphere of a battle scene is a feature often noted in works from this period.

Finally, the technique used and the state of conservation of the paintings play a crucial role in their assessment. The specific techniques used by these artists, such as oil on canvas or impasto, influence not only the visual aspect of the work, but also its longevity. A well-preserved period frame or quality restorations can also add to the value of a painting.

In short, Russian battle scene paintings of the late 19th and early 20th centuries are not just visual representations of historical conflict; they are works of art in their own right, imbued with sensitivity and depth. They capture the emotions, tensions and complex realities of war, while contributing to Russian art history and cultural heritage.

Focus on an Orientalist painting by Franz Roubaud

Franz Roubaud, usually known for his large-scale battle scenes, shows us another facet of his talent with this quieter, more intimate painting.

It shows a rider, dressed in warm colors, next to his horse, in a setting that evokes the Orient, with typical architecture in the background.

The painter captures a moment of calm, far removed from the clashes and turmoil of the wars he has so often depicted.

Here, attention is paid to detail: the carefully tied turban, the folds of the garment, and the golden desert light that enhances the scene. The horse, a faithful companion, is depicted with the same meticulousness, reflecting the close bond between man and animal.

The arch in the background adds a touch of mystery, evoking distant lands and ancient stories. Everything in this painting exudes serenity and harmony, each element in its place to create a peaceful, balanced scene.

With this work, Roubaud shows that he is not only a painter of great battles, but also of simple moments and everyday scenes, where atmosphere and detail count as much as action.  

The artist's imprint on his era

Franz Roubaud left his mark on his era through his impact on the propaganda of the imperial regime. Alongside other military painters producing under the Empire, he helped to forge the Russian imperial legend.

Today, some of his works are exhibited in many museums in Russia and Europe, but private collectors play a major role in preserving his work.

His signature

Not all Franz Roubaud's works are signed.

Although there are variations, here is a first example of its signature:

Appraising your property

If you own one of Franz Roubaud's works, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal by filling in our online form.

A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of the market value of your work.

If you are considering selling your work, our specialists will also guide you through the various alternatives available to obtain the best possible price, taking into account market trends and the specific features of each work.