Rating and value of works, drawings and photographs by Christo and Jeanne Claude

If you own a work by or based on the work of artists Christo and Jeanne Claude 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 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

The work of Christo and Jeanne Claude is commonplace and highly rated on the auction market. Their works arouse keen interest among collectors and art lovers, particularly those who appreciate 20th-century contemporary art. The most sought-after pieces are photographs signed by the couple. A work signed by Christo and Jeanne Claude can fetch millions of euros at auction, like their drawing The Umbrellas, which sold for €1,400,000 in 2021, whereas its estimate was between €200,000 and €300,000.  

Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious

Artist's style and technique

Christo and Jeanne Claude have a stylistic identity all their own, and are particularly famous for wrapping buildings. They produced many preparatory drawings prior to their project, as well as photos during the installation of the ephemeral work, which were and are sold at auction to finance the works in situ.

Style and technique

Christo and Jeanne Claude have a stylistic identity all their own, and are particularly famous for wrapping buildings. They produced many preparatory drawings prior to their project, as well as photos during the installation of the ephemeral work, which were and are sold at auction to finance the works in situ.

Christo and Jeanne Claude, an extraordinary artistic couple

Christo Javacheff was born in Belgium in 1935. His mother was General Secretary of the Sofia Academy of Fine Arts and his father ran a textile factory. He had a difficult childhood and began his training at the Sofia Fine Arts Academy. He got into trouble there for going against Communist ideology, which prompted him to leave for Vienna. Two years later, he settled in Paris, where he produced portraits that he signed with his surname. He painted the portrait of Jacques de Guillebon, and in the process met his daughter, Jeanne Claude de Guillebon.

Jeanne Claude de Guillebon is a French artist born in Casablanca, where her father, a general in the French Army, was stationed. Rumor has it that they were born on the same day, at the same time. She lived with her father during the Second World War, while her mother joined the Resistance. Already married, she met Christo in 1958 and left her husband to marry him.

From then on, the two artists produced joint works, wrapping public buildings, which the couple initially signed Christo. In 1994, their signature changed to Christo et Jeanne Claude. They would make use of the buildings by wrapping them in fabric held together with cable. The couple lived in New York's Soho district, where their studio was also located. They notably wrapped the Pont Neuf in Paris in 1985, and the Arc de Triomphe after Christo's death in 2021. The in situ realizations of their works are financed through auctions; the Arc de Triomphe was financed by a Sotheby's sale, which released 14 million euros for the realization of the work. Much controversy ensued, not least over the signature, which did not include Jeanne-Claude's name.

Christo and Jeanne Claude's imprint on their period

Today, Christo and Jeanne Claude are recognized as one of the most influential artist couples of the 20th century. They left their mark on their era with their monumental works, visible to all, whose concept has marked several generations. Some of their works are exhibited in museums in France, but private collectors play a major role in preserving their work. Their value has been rising in recent years.

Their signature

Not all works by Christo and Jeanne Claude are signed. It is also possible that the work is a copy or that the signature has faded over time, which is why expert appraisal is essential.

Appraising your property

If you own a work by Christo or Jeanne Claude, 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.