Rating and value of objects, furniture and sculptures by Jean-Michel Frank
Key takeaways
- Jean-Michel Frank’s cabinets and armchairs fetch several million euros at auction, notably a patinated bronze cabinet that sold for 3.2 million euros at Sotheby’s in 2014.
- His creations vary widely in price: watercolor drawings range from 350 to 2,710 euros, tables up to 510,000 euros, light fixtures up to 375,790 euros, and armchairs up to 1.3 million euros.
- As a 20th-century Art Deco designer who worked primarily with wood, Frank did not consistently sign his works; therefore, an expert appraisal is recommended to authenticate the pieces.
If you own a work by or based on the work of artist Jean-Michel Frank 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. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your work, we will direct you to the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.
Artist's rating and value
During the 20th century, Jean-Michel Frank was one of the most talented cabinetmakers of his era. Since then, his value has continued to rise. As a result, he has become a firm fixture on the international art market. Highly prized by collectors, his commodes and tables are the most popular on the market, particularly the rare cabinet models and armchairs. Thus, a piece of Jean-Michel Frank furniture can fetch millions of euros at auction, as evidenced by his patinated bronze cabinet dating from 1935, adjudged €3,200,000 at Sotheby's in 2014.
Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious
Technique used | Result |
|---|---|
Drawing - watercolor | From €350 to €2,710 |
Table | From €550 to €510,000 |
Luminaire | From 270 to €375,790 |
Armchair | From €600 to €1,300,000 € |
Cabinet | From €4,320 to €3,200,000 |
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The artist's creations and style
Jean-Michel Frank creates contemporary furniture and sculptures, and his work is highly representative of the Art-Déco movement. He works with a variety of materials such as glass, ceramics, wood and resin, but his material of choice remains wood, which he uses in particular for his cabinets and coffee tables.
Jean-Michel Frank, decorator of invisible elegance
Jean-Michel Frank was born in Paris in 1895. His father was a Jewish banker and cousin of Anne Frank. Both his brothers died in the First World War. Too young to fight, he befriended the poet René Crevel during high school.
In 1921, he finalized his first project, decorating Pierre Drieu la Rochelle's apartment, and moved right next door to his building on rue de Verneuil, where he had everything redone. He was soon in demand from wealthy clients who wanted to modify their interiors. Among others, he decorated the apartments of Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles, François Mauriac, André Meyer and Gaston Bergery.
He also created interiors for the perfume and fashion industries, and opened his own interior design boutique on rue Saint Honoré, with the help of designer Elsa Schiaparelli, Charles de Noailles and Emilio Terry.
Jean Cocteau would say of Jean-Michel Franck that he was the decorator of " invisible elegance ", preferring sober tones and minimalism to anything " that jumps out ".
His activity would be interrupted by the Second World War, when he found himself in danger, and had to flee France. He left for Lisbon and then New York, where he committed suicide in 1941 by taking drugs.
Jean-Michel Frank's imprint on his period
The decorator marked his time with his refined spirit and minimalist style. He decorated the apartments of important figures of his time, both in France and in the United States. His talent was sought after by major clients, and the artist enjoyed a prosperous career before the war put an end to it. Today, his works are still appreciated on the auction market and his stock is on the rise.
Recognizing Jean-Michel Frank's signature
Jean-Michel Frank doesn't always sign his works. That's why, if you think you own a piece by the artist, it's important to have it appraised to be sure of its originality.
Expertise your property
If you own a work by Jean-Michel Frank, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal by filling in our online form. A member of our team of experts and licensed 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 piece.
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Frequently asked questions
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Who is Jean-Michel Frank, and what is his historical context?Jean-Michel Frank (1895–1941) was a leading French interior designer and cabinetmaker of the 20th century and an iconic figure of the Art Deco movement. Born in Paris into a family of bankers, he quickly established himself as the interior designer of choice for the Parisian and international elite, known for his minimalist style and his “invisible elegance.” Jean Cocteau said of him that he preferred understated tones to anything “that catches the eye.”
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What is the price range for Jean-Michel Frank's works?The value depends on the type and rarity of the piece. Drawings and watercolors range from €350 to €2,710, tables from €550 to €510,000, armchairs from €600 to €1,300,000, and cabinets— the showpieces, between €4,320 and €3,200,000. In 2014, a patinated bronze cabinet from 1935 sold for €3,200,000 at Sotheby’s, attesting to the prestige of his creations.
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How can you authenticate a work attributed to Jean-Michel Frank?Jean-Michel Frank does not always sign his works, which makes authentication difficult. We recommend that you request a free appraisal from our state-certified auctioneers and experts via our online form. Our team will contact you within 48 hours to provide you with a reliable, certified estimate.
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Is this the right time to sell a work by Jean-Michel Frank?Yes, this is an excellent time. Jean-Michel Frank’s market value has been steadily rising since the 20th century, and he has established himself as a sure bet on the international art market. His works, which are particularly sought after by collectors, continue to command strong demand at auction, creating ideal conditions for a sale.
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How does the appraisal and sale process work at Auctie's?The appraisal is free and non-binding: simply fill out our online form, and an expert will contact you within 48 hours with an accurate estimate. If you’re interested in selling, our specialists will guide you through the best available options to get the best price, taking into account market trends and the specific characteristics of your item.
