Rating and value of sculptures and bronzes by Arno Breker

If you own a work by or after Arno Breker and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will be happy to offer you their expert 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 want to sell your work, we'll point you in the right direction to get the best possible price for it.

Rating and value of the artist Arno Breker   

Considered one of the masters of Expressionist sculpture, Arno Breker gained recognition during his lifetime. He followed in the artistic vein of Maillol and Rodin. His legacy therefore consists mainly of sculptures in a variety of materials, especially bronze. Today, the prices of his works are steadily rising under auctioneers' gavels. His sculptures are prized above all by European buyers, and the price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €40 to €214,950, a considerable delta, which nevertheless speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to Arno Breker's works. In 2019, one of his bronze sculptures, Schreitende, sold for €165,000 against an estimate of €145,000 to €165,000.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious

Artist Arno Breker's style and technique    

After producing a number of abstract and expressionist works, Breker became one of the most famous and sought-after sculptors of his time in Germany. He worked in marble and terracotta, but also in bronze, the latter being the material most frequently featured in his works at auction.

Arno Breker, a divisive figure from the Third Reich to the FRG

German artist Arno Breker (1900-1991) became a major figure in 20th-century neoclassical and expressionist sculpture.

Born in Elberfeld, he was the son of a sculptor. His path was clear, and he studied anatomy and sculpture at the Beaux-Arts in his home town. He continued his training at the Düsseldorf Art Academy, where he became interested in abstraction.

Breker soon returned to Hellenistic subjects, deciding at the same point in his career to move to Paris. There, he studied with Maillol, and shared his studio with Alexander Calder. The sculptor rubbed shoulders with the greatest artists of his time: Cocteau, Brancusi, Picasso...

In 1932, his talent was recognized by the Prussian Prix de Rome.

At the same time, totalitarian regimes were spreading across Europe, and Nazi theorists, anxious to control German art, saw strong propaganda potential in Arno Breker's sculpture. In 1936, he created two monumental statues for the stadium at the Berlin Olympic Games. Commissioned by the Reich Propaganda Ministry, he produced numerous sculptures designed to popularize the image of the athlete in Nazi Germany. After working on several urbanization projects with Albert Speer, he was sent back to Paris by the Nazis. His studio in Germany was destroyed in 1945.

However, Arno Breker will never be prosecuted for collaborating with the Third Reich; he will say that he accepted out of opportunism and megalomania.

After the Liberation, Breker reopened a studio in Düsseldorf, continuing to receive commissions and exhibit until his death.

Arno Breker's imprint on his period  

Arno Breker, sometimes called the German Michelangelo, was one of the most important sculptors of his time. Like the Italians of the Renaissance, he drew inspiration from antique subjects and used their techniques. On today's art market, his bronzes are highly prized, and his marbles even more so. Although his life and career have been punctuated by divisive issues surrounding his work, this has not detracted from his reputation.

Recognizing Arno Breker's signature   

Arno Breker sometimes signs his sculptures. There are many copies, however, so expertise is important. 

Knowing the value of a work 

If you happen to own a work by or after Arno Breker, 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.