Rating and value of old religious 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 popular at auction. The price at which they sell on the art and auction market ranges from €10 to €2,300,400, 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 because they are often less expensive than masterpieces when the artist is not identified. In 2023, an oil on panel attributed to the Dutch painter Frans Francken II sold for €49,400, whereas its estimate was between €8,000 and €10,000.

Order of value from simplest to most prestigious painting

Reasons to have an old painting appraised

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 antique religious 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 result of the work of often talented artists who, through the ages, have sought to illustrate various scenes from the Bible. Depending on the period and the country, the iconography and subjects can be very different. However, some attributes are always the same, such as Saint Jerome with the Lion, or Saint John the Evangelist with the Eagle. The 19th century was a pivotal period, and late academic figurative paintings can be considered antique, but with care. The same applies to Romantic paintings.

Art as an expression of faith

For centuries, religious art has been used to evangelize, teach and nourish the faith of the faithful. Religious paintings capture crucial moments in biblical history and illustrate the lives of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the saints. These artistic representations enable the faithful to visualize and meditate on sacred teachings and events. Art thus plays an essential role in the transmission of religious tradition, helping believers connect with stories that have shaped their faith.

Over time, representations evolved. The Church of Rome, for example, found offensive certain paintings by Caravaggio, who chose to depict the Virgin as a mere mortal. Gradually, during the Renaissance, representations of martyrdom evolved (cf. The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, Mantegna). Suffering became more visible and felt, thanks to evolving mores and painting techniques.

Religious painting, an art-historical landmark

From the Roman catacomb fresco of Priscilla to Jean Couty's Annunciation, religious representations have punctuated the history of art from Antiquity to the present day. Techniques have evolved, as have media and Christian dogma: there have been splits, Protestants have appeared and created the Beeldenstorm (Protestant iconoclasm), and then the Council of Trent, which also brought about its pictorial revolution. Despite these historical upheavals, the passion remains. Painters continued to use religious subjects, and academicism took hold of them. Painters like Hippolyte Lazerges even made them the focus of their careers.

A genre of painting at the forefront of the academic world

Religious paintings are more than just works of art. They are guardians of religious tradition, witnesses to history, ambassadors of faith and inspirations for devotion. Their value extends beyond the material world to touch the souls and spirits of believers, making them precious treasures to be treasured. From the Renaissance to the 19th century, they were considered equal at the very top of the genre hierarchy with history painting.

Preservation and market value

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

Signing paintings

Many old paintings are not signed, and neither are the backs of their frames. Here are two examples.

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.