Rating and value of paintings, drawings and sculptures by François Morellet
Key takeaways
- François Morellet (1926–2016), a pioneer of geometric abstraction, has seen his works fetch several thousand euros at auction, particularly his oil-on-canvas paintings.
- The artist’s oil-on-canvas works range from €620 to €397,400, such as “Trames aléatoires,” which sold in 2018.
- His three-dimensional sculptures and watercolor drawings fetch between €210,000 and €240,000 and between €50,000 and €60,000, respectively, while his prints range from €20,000 to €85,000.
If you own a work by or based on the work of artist François Morellet 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
François Morellet is an artist who produced works in the center of France, where he mostly exhibited and sold his works. Today, the artist's stock remains high, and some of his works are highly prized by collectors, particularly those oriented towards geometric abstraction. Thus, a work signed by his hand can fetch thousands of euros at auction, as evidenced by his oil on canvas Trames aléatoires, dating from 1964, bid €397,400 in 2018.
Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious
Technique used | Result |
|---|---|
Furniture | From €1,200 to €7,600 |
Drawing - watercolor | From €50 to €60,000 |
Estamp - multiple | From €20 to €85,000 |
Sculpture - volume | From €210 to €240,000 |
Oil on canvas | From €620 to €397,400 |
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The artist's works and style
François Morellet is one of the leading exponents of geometric abstraction, and is also a precursor of Minimalism. He produces works in several media, including oil on canvas, drawing, and also makes extensive use of the medium of sculpture.
François Morellet, pioneer of geometric abstraction
François Morellet (1926-2016) was an abstract artist born in Cholet.
He began painting at the age of 14, and studied Russian at the School of Oriental Languages. While continuing to paint, he worked for his father's company, moving from figuratism to abstraction, which would form the core of his theoretical and pictorial research. He was greatly influenced by Mondrian, founder of the neoplastiscime, and in particular re-used his use of the square and color.
He also discovered and was inspired by the work of Max Bill, integrating a little of concrete art into his compositions.
His first famous works consist of black parallels that juxtapose and superimpose each other. He then joined the Groupe de recherche d'Art visuel. He wants to achieve total mastery of his creative process, which is why his works are very much inspired by geometry, and the term frame is very important in his work. He also said he wanted to strive for neutrality.
Morellet died in 2016, aged 90.
François Morellet's imprint on his time
François Morellet made a lasting mark on his time, developing geometric abstraction and heralding Minimalism. The aesthetics of his works are highly regarded at auction, and they are sought after by some collectors.
His signature
Not all of François Morellet's works are signed.
Although there are variations, here is a first example of his signature:
Expertise your property
If you own a work by François Morellet, 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.
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Works from the same period sold at auction
Estimated Gaston BALANDE (1880-1971), Boats at low tide, oil on canvas
Gaston BALANDE (1880-1971), Boats at low tide, oil on canvas
Estimated Between €1,200 and €1,600
Camille HILAIRE (1916-2004), The apple tree in blossom, oil on canvas
Estimated Between €5,000 and €8,000
Jean MIOTTE (1926-2016), acrylic on canvas
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Frequently asked questions
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Who is François Morellet, and what is his artistic movement?François Morellet (1926–2016) was an abstract artist born in Cholet, a major pioneer of geometric abstraction and a forerunner of minimalism. Influenced by Mondrian and Max Bill, he developed a body of work based on geometry, grids, and the pursuit of formal neutrality, leaving a lasting mark on 20th-century art.
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What is the price range for François Morellet's works at auction?Prices vary considerably depending on the medium and the work’s significance: furniture ranges from €1,200 to €7,600, watercolor drawings from €50 to €60,000, sculptures between €210 and €240,000, and oil-on-canvas paintings between €620 and €397,400, as in the case of “Trames aléatoires” (1964).
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How can you authenticate a work by François Morellet?To authenticate a work by François Morellet, we recommend requesting a free appraisal from Auctie's by filling out our online form. A certified expert or auctioneer will examine your work and provide you with an accurate estimate of its market value, with no obligation on your part.
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Is this the right time to sell a work by François Morellet?Yes, now is a good time to sell a work by Morellet. The artist continues to command high prices, and his works—particularly those in the geometric abstraction style—are highly sought after by collectors. The market remains strong for this major 20th-century art movement.
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How does the appraisal process work at Auctie's?Appraisals at Auctie's are completely free and non-binding. After you fill out our online form, a member of our team—composed of experts and licensed auctioneers—will contact you to appraise your artwork and provide you with an estimate. If you’d like to sell, we’ll guide you toward the best solution to get the best possible price.
