Rating and value of paintings by Tibor Csernus

Style and technique of artist Tibor Czernus

Tibor Czernus is a pioneer of the so-called " super-naturalist " style, which blends naturalistic elements with surrealist distortions (René Magritte, Leonora Carrington). He uses realistic motifs (human figures, recognizable objects) combined with abstract zones, visual distortions or dreamlike elements.

The pictorial surface of his compositions is dense, with impasto, thick paint, a sensitive texture, the material becomes an expressive element of the style.

The play of light is dramatic, and a Caravaggesque influence (chiaroscuro, strong contrasts between light and dark) can be found in his figurative compositions in his later periods.

In the 1980s - 1990s, he made a return to art-historical references, revisiting the tradition (Caravaggio, Hogarth) while retaining a personal, contemporary touch.

There is also a tension between inner vision and visible reality : his works evolve between what is perceived " naturally " and what is perceived as supernatural. His main medium is oil paint on canvas. He complements this with mixed techniques such as the use of spatula, palette knife and various brushes to model the texture of the surface.

Alongside painting, Czernus has produced illustrations, lithographs and posters incorporating his pictorial style. He plays with paint retractions, striations and scrapings to introduce visual strata and " brisures " into the surface.

He moves through different palettes depending on the period, from dark, sober tones to lighter or more expressive colors in his late figurative moments. In his posters, he transposes his pictorial style into a graphic register, with simplified forms, iconization and sharp contrasts.

The life of Tibor Csernus

Tibor Csernus (1927 - 2007) was a Hungarian painter. His name has various spellings. He was born in Kondoros, into a family of locksmiths.

In 1943, he enrolled in the graphic arts department of the Industrial Drawing School, and at the same time completed his lithographic apprenticeship at the Posner workshop, under the guidance of Andras Benko.

His studies in applied art were interrupted by the Second World War, and he was taken prisoner of war in 1945. His artistic career in Hungary soon began, and he exhibited regularly in Budapest, winning the Mihaly Munkacszy Prize (in the 1950s) for his pictorial work.

In 1957 and 1958, he made regular visits to Paris, immersing himself in French artistic currents with new influences that reflected on his work.

In 1964, he settled permanently in Paris to escape Hungarian political pressure, living and working there until his death. In France, he worked as an illustrator for the Gallimard publishing house (covers for the NRF collection, science fiction, etc).

He died in 2007 in Paris, and is buried in the Montmartre cemetery.

Market segmentation and artist rating

Tibor Csernus produces oil paintings, works on paper and graphic illustrations that are valued works. In the upper segment, we find large signed paintings, exhibitions, works with provenance or exhibition labels.

The middle segment consists of medium-sized works, drawings and works on paper. Illustrations, graphic editions and derivative productions. Typical buyers are European and Hungarian art collectors, enthusiasts of " visionary " art, figurative painting galleries, and lovers of light and dramatic contrast.

The secondary market is dominant, with the bulk of transactions going through auctions. Geographic areas of interest are Hungary, Central Europe, France and French-speaking collectors. The artist is recognized internationally.

Recognizing the artist's signature

Not all the painter's works are signed. However, with or without a mention, it's important for you to have the work appraised to ensure its originality and to be able to date it. Naturally, there are also copies.

Knowing the value of a work

If you happen to own a work by or after Tibor Csernus, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using our 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 ad hoc information about it.

If you wish to sell your work, 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.