Value and quotation of works, paintings by Elbridge Ayer Burbank

If you own a work by or about the artist Elbridge Ayer Burbank, 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.

Artist's rating and value Elbridge Ayer Burbank

Elbridge Ayer Burbank was an American painter of the 20th century. He left behind a unique artistic repertoire. This legacy consists of portraits, mostly in oil on canvas. Today, prices for his works are skyrocketing under auctioneers' hammers. His paintings and other works are particularly prized, especially by American buyers, and the price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €20 to €396,800, a considerable delta but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to Burbank's works. In June 2023, a predominantly brown polychrome composition depicting a young African-American boy sold for €396,800 at Auctie's, whereas it was estimated at between €10,000 and €15,000, a world record for the artist.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious

Style and technique of artist Elbridge Ayer Burbank

Burbank is not associated with any particular movement. He mainly painted portraits. From an early age, he was fascinated by Native American civilization. He frames his portraits at mid-body, often against a neutral background. He worked a lot on the expressions and facial features of his models.

Elbridge Ayer Burbank, a surprising artist

Elbridge Ayer Burbank (1858-1949), an American painter, became a sought-after figure among collectors.

He was born in Illinois, shortly before the Civil War, which was to have a lasting influence on his career. At the time, the region's socio-political climate was very tense, particularly in Chicago, where racism and segregation were very present.

His family was wealthy and influential, thanks to the railroad business they owned. His uncle, the head of the business, is very close to Burbank, and it's thanks to him that he becomes interested in Native American civilizations and slavery issues. The latter collects Native American artifacts and shares them with his nephew.

He studied for six years at the Chicago Academy of Design. He then moved to New York, where the atmosphere and mentality suited him better. He did a few portrait commissions there, but didn't make a very good living. In New York, he meets journalist Eugene Smalley, who works for a newspaper writing about American westward expansion, and follows him on a report. He met several important Native American figures who would influence the rest of his career.

He then spent some time in Europe, where he learned new artistic techniques. In 1892, he returned to Chicago for good. 

Burbank's imprint on a fractured America   

Burbank marked his period by his commitment. In one of the most segregated and racist regions of the U.S., especially in the 1890s, he established himself as a committed artist. Going against the grain, he chose many African-American models and portrayed them with remarkable gentleness.

In the 1894 portrait The Sunflower, auctioned by Auctie's in June 2023, he depicts a little black boy with gentle, peaceful features. He holds a flower in his hand, which can be interpreted as a symbol of peace. He does the same in another portrait, American Beauty. His model, who is probably the same as in the first portrait, has his eyes open this time. This shows the little boy's self-confidence and calm. In the second portrait, Burbank gives a calmer impression.

Burbank at auction

Auctie's, with its latest result on the artist, has recently seen a sharp rise in the artist's value. La Gazette Drouot, an art magazine that publishes articles on the results of the hotel's auctions, devoted three articles to the artist during Auctie's presentation of "The Sunflower". The world record is therefore very recent, which could prompt owners of Burbank works to place their works on the auction market.

Recognizing Burbank's signature

Burbank usually signs his works in a corner of the canvas. In the portrait TheSunflower, his signature is in the right-hand corner, at the top of the canvas.

Knowing the value of a work

If you happen to own a work by or after Burbank, 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 ad hoc 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.