Rating and value of works, drawings, paintings by Jean Hélion

A versatile 20th-century artist, Jean Hélion (1906-1987) was initially drawn to abstraction, but then turned to the figurative, creating captivating paintings depicting scenes from everyday life.

If you own a work by or based on the artist Jean Hélion and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will be happy to 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

Jean Hélion was already making a living from his art in the 1920s, but it was not until the 1930s that the artist really came into his own and established himself on the art market. Today, the artist's stock remains high, and some of his works are highly prized by collectors, particularly those produced in the 1930s. A work signed by him can fetch over €1 million at auction, as demonstrated by his oil on canvas Abstraction, which sold for €2,700,770 at Christie's in 2015.

Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious

The artist's works and style

Jean Hélion's art was marked by two major periods. Initially an abstract painter, Hélion turned to the figurative, drawing inspiration from scenes of everyday life. These artistic periods brought him a certain renown. However, it was his abstract works that gained him the greatest recognition on the art market.

His abstract period is distinguished by the use of voluminous forms in movement, created through the play of light and shadow specific to each volume represented. He also uses contrasting colors to give his paintings a striking dimension and depth. The hues used are often cool, with green gradations predominating.

Jean Hélion also works regularly on paper, using multiple drawing methods such as ink and watercolor.

The life of Jean Hélion

Jean Hélion, whose real name was Jean Bichier, was born in Couterne in 1904. After studying pharmacy in Lille, Jean Hélion turned to chemistry before becoming an architectural draughtsman in Paris. His discovery of the Louvre and his admiration for Poussin's paintings fueled his passion. The artist soon turned to abstraction. 

In the 1920s, Jean Hélion devoted himself fully to painting, thanks to the support of collector Georges Bine. He discovered Cubism in 1927 with the artist Joaquin Torres Garcia. Three years later, Hélion co-founded the "Abstraction-Création" movement alongside other renowned artists.

Hélion exhibited for the first time in 1932, gradually introducing the human figure into his work. The artist then traveled to the United States and the USSR, where he met his wife.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Jean Hélion began to lose his sight. His work then evolved, incorporating representations of the blind into his paintings. 

His signature 

Not all Jean Hélion's works are signed.

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

Appraising your property

If you own a work by Jean Hélion, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal by filling out 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 Jean Hélion work.

If you're thinking of 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 item.