Rating and value of furniture, bindings and drawings by Pierre Legrain
Key takeaways
- Pierre Legrain, a French interior designer (1888–1929), has seen his market value rise steadily, as his furniture is particularly sought after by collectors.
- In 2022, a table from 1923 sold for €811,000, more than double its initial estimate of €333,940 to €524,770.
- Prices range from €200 (book bindings, basic furniture) to €140,000 (prestigious pieces), with drawings ranging from €250 to €46,830.
If you own a work by or based on the work of artist Pierre Legrain and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will guide you. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on the current market. 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
With his success thanks to his innovative vision of architecture, and his conceptual talent, Pierre Legrain established himself as a sure value on the art market from his lifetime. In recent years, the artist's reputation has continued to grow. Present on the French and American markets, Legrain's armchairs are among his most sought-after works. In 2022, a table, Unique table pour Jacques Doucet dating from 1923 sold for €811,000 while it was estimated at between €333,940 and €524,770, more than twice the low estimate.
Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious
Type of object / work | Result | Drawing - watercolor | From €250 to €46,830 |
|---|---|
Luminaire | From €31,960 to €112,650 |
Objects | From €490 to €137,000 |
Reliure | From €200 to €140,000 |
Furniture | From €200 to €140,000 |
Estimate in less than 24h
The artist's style and technique
An outstanding decorator, drawing his inspiration from the woods and furniture of Black Africa, Legrain also excels in the art of bookbinding. Some of his works are part of the Art Deco movement, while others are fluid and don't necessarily fit into a particular style.
The life of Pierre Legrain
Pierre Legrain is a French decorator and designer born in 1888.
He began his artistic training with drawing lessons at Germain Pilon's school, alongside Robert Delaunay. He witnessed the birth of Art Deco in France, but was forced by the war to take an interest in bookbinding. He excelled in this field and became one of the benchmarks of modern bookbinding.
After the war, he became his personal decorator after Paul Iribe left France. He was inspired by furniture found in Black Africa, made from exotic woods such as ebony.
He also collaborated with the Louis Vuitton fashion house, and presented creations made for this purpose at the Salon des artistes décorateurs.
He opened his own studio in 1922 and fitted out several interiors, including that of Robert de Rotschild and the Princess of Greece.
He and several artists opposed the clacissime Salon des artistes décorateurs.
He died prematurely in 1949, aged 40.
Pierre Legrain's imprint on his period
Pierre Legrain is not a well-known 20th-century designer, yet he is highly regarded by collectors of design and contemporary furniture for the sobriety and elegance of his furniture.
Today, his stock is rising on the auction market, as furniture enthusiasts increasingly seek out this style and period.
His signature
Pierre Legrain's works are unsigned. To be sure of the originality of your property, it is highly preferable to have it appraised.
Expertise your property
If you own a work by Pierre Legrain, please feel free to request a free appraisal by filling in our online form. A member of our team of experts and chartered auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of the market value of your work.
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 object.
Estimate in less than 24h
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Works from the same period sold at auction
Estimated 1 500 € - 2 000 €
Attributed to Jacques ADNET (1900-1984) Chest of drawers with wood structure and base sheathed in black saddle-stitched leather and imitation leather.
Estimated 10.000 - 15.000 €
Marcel COARD (1889-1974) - Pair of black patinated wrought-iron curule armchairs with oval backs.
Estimated 15.000 - 20.000 €
Charlotte PERRIAND (1903-1999) - Suite of 6 "berger" stools.
Estimated 1500 - 3000€
René Coutelle (1927-2012), console, dove model
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Frequently asked questions
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Who was Pierre Legrain, and what was his artistic background?Pierre Legrain (1888–1929) was a leading French decorator and designer of the early 20th century. Trained alongside Robert Delaunay, he excelled in modern bookbinding and furniture design, drawing inspiration in particular from the woods and furniture of Black Africa. Although he died prematurely at the age of 40, he left a lasting mark as the personal interior designer for fashion designer Jacques Doucet and a collaborator with Louis Vuitton, embodying an Art Deco approach characterized by simplicity and elegance.
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What are the price ranges for Pierre Legrain's works, broken down by type?Prices vary considerably by category: drawings and watercolors range from €250 to €46,830, lighting fixtures from €31,960 to €112,650, objects range from €490 to €137,000, while bookbindings and furniture command the highest prices, ranging from €200 to €140,000 each. For example, a one-of-a-kind table created in 1923 for Jacques Doucet sold for €811,000 in 2022, far exceeding its initial estimate.
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How can you authenticate a work by Pierre Legrain?Since Pierre Legrain’s works are unsigned, authentication requires a professional appraisal. Auctie's offers a free, no-obligation appraisal conducted by its experts and state-certified auctioneers: simply fill out the online form, and a specialist will contact you to provide a comprehensive and reliable appraisal of your item.
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Is this the right time to sell a work by Pierre Legrain?Yes, this is a good time. Pierre Legrain’s market value has been rising steadily over the past few years, particularly in the French and American markets, where his furniture is highly sought after. Collectors’ growing interest in furniture from this period and in this particular style is fueling an upward trend in the market.
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How does the sales process work with Auctie's?Auctie's supports you every step of the way: after requesting a free estimate from our experts and auctioneers, you’ll receive an accurate appraisal within 48 hours. If you decide to sell, our specialists will guide you through the best available options, taking into account market trends and the specific characteristics of your artwork to help you achieve the best possible price.
