Rating and value of objects, furniture and sculptures by Jean-Michel Frank

If you own a work by or based on the work of artist Jean-Michel Frank and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers can advise you. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on the current market. Then, if you wish to sell your work of art, we will guide you towards the best possible means of obtaining the best possible price.

Artist's rating and value

During the 20th century, Jean-Michel Frank was one of the most talented cabinetmakers of his time. Since then, his value has continued to rise. As a result, he has become a firm fixture on the international art market. Highly prized by collectors, his chests of drawers and tables are the most popular on the market, particularly the rare cabinet models and armchairs. A piece of Jean-Michel Frank furniture can fetch millions of euros at auction, as demonstrated by his patinated bronze cabinet dating from 1935, which sold for 3,200,000 euros at Sotheby's in 2014.

Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious

The artist's creations and style

Jean-Michel Frank creates contemporary furniture and sculptures, and his work is highly representative of the Art-Déco movement. He works with a variety of materials including glass, ceramics, wood and resin, but his preferred material is wood, which he uses in particular for his cabinets and coffee tables.

Jean-Michel Frank, decorator of invisible elegance

Jean-Michel Frank was born in Paris in 1895. His father was a Jewish banker and cousin of Anne Frank. Both his brothers died in the First World War. Too young to fight, he befriended the poet René Crevel during his secondary school years.

In 1921, he completed his first project, decorating Pierre Drieu la Rochelle's apartment, and moved right next door to his building on rue de Verneuil, where he had everything redone. He was soon in demand from wealthy clients who wanted to modify their interiors. His clients included Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles, François Mauriac, André Meyer and Gaston Bergery.

He also designed interiors for the perfume and fashion industries, and opened his own interior design boutique on rue Saint Honoré, with the help of designers Elsa Schiaparelli, Charles de Noailles and Emilio Terry.

Jean Cocteau said of Jean-Michel Franck that he was the decorator of "invisible elegance", preferring sober tones and minimalism to anything "that jumps out at you".

His work was interrupted by the Second World War, when he found himself in danger and had to flee France. He left for Lisbon and then New York, where he committed suicide in 1941 by taking drugs.

Jean-Michel Frank's imprint on his period

The decorator marked his time with his refined spirit and minimalist style. He decorated the apartments of important figures of his time, both in France and in the United States. His talent was in demand from major clients, and the artist enjoyed a prosperous career before the war put an end to it. Today, his works are still appreciated on the auction market and his value is on the rise. 

Recognizing Jean-Michel Frank's signature

Jean-Michel Frank doesn't always sign his works. That's why, if you think you own a piece by the artist, it's important to have it appraised to be sure of its originality.

Appraising your property

If you own a work by Jean-Michel Frank, 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 piece.