Rating and value of works, sculptures, compressions by César

A sculptor of welded iron, César (1921-1998) discovered a hydraulic press in a scrapyard in Gennevilliers in the 1960s. Fascinated by its power to deform and transform objects, the artist set about creating three extraordinary compressions of cars. Presented the same year at the Salon de Mai, these works entitled "Trois Tonnes" caused a scandal. Nevertheless, César's Compressions became major works in the history of art.

If you own a Compression made by César or based on his work, 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 object, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on today's market. Then, if you wish to sell your item, we'll guide you towards the best possible means of obtaining the best possible price.

Rating and value of Compressions César

Major works of the 20th century, César's Compressions sell for between €200 and €291,523 (record for the artist achieved in 2018). Highly prized by collectors, the price of Compressions varies according to size and material. Despite the great popularity and diversity of these works, the Compressions made from carcasses are the most expensive.

Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious

Caesar's life and the Compressions experiment

César Baldaccini, known as César, was born in Marseille in 1921. From an early age, César was recognized as a prodigy. Endowed with an innate talent for drawing, he first studied drawing and then sculpture at the Beaux-Arts de Marseille.

The artist continued his studies in Paris. César was very interested in modern sculpture and the works of Brancusi, Picasso, Matisse and Giacometti.

He produced his first works in iron, an easy-to-handle and inexpensive material. At the time, each of César's works was unique, and he worked and welded them himself in the original material.

César's first Compressions date back to 1958, when he compacted copper plates and ribbons. Shortly afterwards, at a scrapyard in Gennevilliers, the artist discovered a huge press used to manipulate materials, capable of reducing a car. This gave him the idea of creating three compressed car bales, which he hyperbolically named "3 tonnes".

César created his Compressions in two periods. The first was from 1959 to 1970, while the second was from 1976 to 1998. His Compressions are often imbued with a sense of humor, as are his goldsmith's and crystal Compressions.

In 1961, César experimented with Directed Compressions. The elements to be compressed are carefully selected according to shape and color, then weighed. Some sets of Compressions consist solely of car fenders, while others include a black car, two red hoods and twelve bumpers, for example. Shapes can be rectangular, flat or square.

Later, the artist expanded his creations by adding other elements such as license plates, metal packaging and aluminum tubes. He also compresses two-wheelers.

César's early Compressions led him to join the Nouveau Réalisme movement. This group, considered eccentric, explored new perspectives in art.

His signature

Not all of César's works are signed.

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

Appraising your property

If you own a Compression by César, 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 Compression by César.

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.