Rating and value of works, paintings, drawings, by Jean-Louis Forain

If you own a work by or about the artist Jean-Louis Forain, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its current market value. Then, if you wish to sell your work, we will guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.   

Rating and value of the artist Jean-Louis Forain     

A forgotten Impressionist painter of his time, Forain leaves behind a unique artistic identity. This legacy consists mainly of drawings and paintings. Today, prices for his works are rising under the auctioneer's hammer, while his stock is stable. His canvases and other works are particularly prized, especially by French buyers, and the price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €10 to €1,174,740, a considerable delta but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to the works of Jean-Louis Forain. In 2018, an oil on canvas entitled La femme aux affiches, dating from 1880 sold for €1,174,740, whereas it was estimated at between €419,550 and €587,370.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious 

Artist's style and technique        

Jean-Louis Forain was part of the Impressionist movement. He was influenced by his masters Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux and Jean-Léon Gérôme. He produced mainly oils on canvas and drawings (the latter are his most popular works at auction).  

The life of Jean-Louis Forain   

Jean Louis Forain was a French artist born in Reims on October 23, 1852 and died in Paris on July 11, 1931. He was best known for his work as a painter, draughtsman and caricaturist. 

Forain studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he developed his artistic skills, particularly in painting and drawing. He quickly gained a reputation as a political and social cartoonist, regularly contributing illustrations to newspapers and magazines such as Le Figaro and Le Courrier français. His satirical caricatures were often incisive, offering a critical look at the society and politics of his day. 

In addition to his work as a caricaturist, Forain was also a talented painter. He was a member of the Société des Artistes Indépendants and regularly exhibited his work at the Salons. His paintings covered a variety of subjects, including scenes of Parisian life, portraits and the Belle Époque.

His art was influenced by the Impressionist movement, and he was often associated with his painter friends, such as Edgar Degas and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Forain was particularly renowned for his depictions of worldly events, including cabarets and ballet scenes.  

Forain's imprint on his era

Jean Louis Forain left an important artistic legacy, reflecting French society and culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works are exhibited in many prestigious art collections around the world, and he is still considered one of the most important artists of his time. 

Today, his works are still successful at auction. Although some of his works are held in museums in Europe, private collectors play a major role in preserving his work.

Recognizing the artist's signature 

Jean-Louis Forain sometimes signs his works, usually at the bottom of the painting, in a color that contrasts with the background. However, there are a few copies, so expertise is essential.

Knowing the value of a work 

If you happen to own a work by or after Jean-Louis Forain, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using the form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your work, as well as any relevant information about it. If you're thinking of selling your work, our specialists will also be on hand to offer you alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.