Rating and value of works, drawings, paintings by Jean Michel Atlan

A self-taught artist, Jean-Michel Atlan (1913-1960) was one of the most important exponents of post-war lyrical abstraction.

If you own a work by or based on the work of artist Jean-Michel Atlan 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

Despite his short artistic career, Jean-Michel Atlan won over the critics, dealers and art collectors of his day. Since then, the artist's works have established themselves as sure values on the art market. From the 1990s onwards, Atlan's price exploded, and his works from the 50s onwards have enjoyed steady growth. A painting signed by Atlan can fetch hundreds of thousands of euros, as demonstrated by an oil on canvas dating from 1955, which sold for over €700,000 at Loudmer in 1989.

Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious

The artist's works and style

Deeply influenced by his Jewish origins and cultural heritage, Atlan was fascinated by the symbols, rituals and mysteries of this religion. Drawing inspiration from this, the artist created abstract compositions, often imbued with esoteric symbolism and evocative visual language. 

Known for his "automatic writing" technique, Jean-Michel Atlan used thick brushes to create spontaneous marks, lines and textures on canvas. Often characterized by organic forms, his compositions show traces of great gesture.

Color played an essential role in Atlan's style. He used rich, contrasting palettes, creating vibrant, dynamic combinations. His color choices were often influenced by symbolic and emotional associations, reinforcing the expression of his works.

Color and texture also play an essential role in the artist's style. His palette is rich and contrasting, creating vibrant, dynamic combinations. In addition, Atlan experimented with a variety of materials and techniques to create material effects and reliefs.

The life of Jean-Michel Atlan

Jean-Michel Atlan was born in Algeria on January 23, 1913. Born into a Judeo-Berber family, he moved to Paris in 1930 to study philosophy.

In 1941, Jean Michel Atlan took up painting entirely on his own. A Resistance fighter of Jewish origin, he was arrested a year later by the Gestapo. To escape the extermination camp, Atlan feigned madness and ended up in the Hôpital Sainte-Anne. He took advantage of his hospitalization to paint and draw.

After his release from prison, Jean-Michel Atlan's early works moved closer to lyrical abstraction, a style championed by Hans Hartung and Gérard Schneider. He gives more importance to gesture than to figurative motifs. 

Jean-Michel Atlan devotes himself to painting, exhibiting his expressionist work at the Salon des Surindépendants. At the same time, the artist published a collection of poems and later joined the Cobra movement.

In the 50s, his painting evolved into a more drawing-oriented style, reminiscent of hieroglyphics and hieratic signs, with influences from African, pre-Columbian and Assyrian art.

After a period of relative public indifference, he finally met with success with the New School of Paris. Atlan died of a hemorrhage in 1960.

His signature

Not all Jean-Michel Atlan's works are signed.

An example of his signature can be seen in the drawing above. 

Appraising your property

If you own a work by Jean-Michel Atlan, 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 Jean-Michel Atlan 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.