Rating and value of old paintings

If you own an antique painting, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers can offer you their appraisal services. 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 painting, we'll guide you towards the best possible means of obtaining the best possible price. The price of a painting can vary greatly, depending on the artist, the state of conservation, the school of painting and the subject depicted.

Rating and value of an old painting

Antique paintings are quite expensive. The price at which they sell on the art and auction markets ranges from €10 to €20,000 for unattributed paintings, a considerable delta but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to your paintings. They are prized by buyers of all nationalities, and are of interest to some collectors as they are often less expensive than masterpieces when the artist is not identified. In 2012, an oil on canvas by one of the followers of Ambrosius Benson, a Flemish painter, sold for €20,500, whereas its estimate was between €15,000 and €20,000.

Order of value from the simplest to the most prestigious painting, for artists not identified by school

Reasons to have an antique painting appraised at auction

If you own an antique painting, you may be unaware of its value. Even if the painting is not signed, it is possible in some cases to identify the artist. If it is listed on the auction market, then the price could rise very quickly. It is also possible that the artist is not identifiable, and that only the school of the painting is known.  

Defining an old painting

An antique painting is a work of art painted on a flat surface, usually canvas, wood panel or metal plate, and dating back several centuries. These works are the work of often talented artists who left their mark on their era, capturing scenes of everyday life, landscapes, portraits, still lifes and historical events. An antique painting is one that predates the 18th century (inclusive). The 19th century is a pivotal period, and paintings from the late figurative academic period can be considered old, but with care. The same applies to Romantic paintings.

The historical value of old paintings

These paintings are silent witnesses to history. They depict the lifestyles, customs, beliefs and progress of their time. Some famous paintings illustrate major historical moments, such as Charles Martin's portrait of King Henry VI in armor, painted during the sovereign's lifetime, or Titian's composition Charles V on horseback at Mülhberg. These are just a few examples of ancient painters who immortalized history. Other artists take up historical subjects, as Delacroix did with the battle of Taillebourg, led by Saint Louis. More contemporary artists have also been inspired by ancient historical elements, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat in the last century, with an abstract composition depicting the Medici family tree. So, just because a painting is inspired by a past event doesn't mean it's an old painting.

Antique paintings are an open window on the past, helping us to better understand our cultural and artistic heritage.

The plurality of artistic currents

Naturally, the term "old paintings" covers a whole range of different artistic genres. From the Renaissance to François Boucher or Jean Baptise Greuze, there have been many different ways of painting, from Mannerism to Neoclassicism, not forgetting Rembrandt's shades of black, and new techniques have emerged. The most common works, however, are still oils on canvas, imbued with the academic canons established throughout Europe.

Preservation and market value

The conservation of old paintings is crucial to the preservation of our artistic heritage. Private collectors play an important role in this preservation, and auctions of old paintings are often highly publicized, with prices sometimes reaching very high sums, making these works of art sought-after investments.

Signing paintings

Many antique paintings are not signed, and there are sometimes inscriptions of numbers, which can potentially be useful for appraisal. Here's an example.

Find out the exact value of your painting

If you happen to own an antique painting of any school, or think you might, 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 painting, as well as any relevant information. If you wish to sell your product, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account the inclinations of the market.