Rating and value of sculptures, bronzes and plaster casts by Jean Osouf

Rating and value of sculptures, bronzes and plaster casts by Jean Osouf

Key takeaways

  • Jean Osouf (1898–1996), a leading French sculptor of the 20th century, specialized in figurative and naturalistic sculpture and was trained by Aristide Maillol.
  • Osouf’s works sell for between €100 and €4,800 depending on the medium, with bronzes fetching the highest prices (€470 to €4,800).
  • In 2015, his 1939 bronze “Bust of Coralie” exceeded its estimate, selling for €4,800 instead of the projected €2,000–3,000.

If you own a work by or after the artist Jean Osouf, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its current market value. Thereafter, 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 artist Jean Osouf      

Considered an important artist of naturalistic sculpture, Osouf leaves behind a unique artistic repertoire, within which bronze works occupy a prominent place. Today, prices for his works are rising dramatically under the auctioneer's hammer. His creations are particularly prized, and the price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €100 to €4,800 - a considerable range, but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to Osouf's works. In 2015, a bronze statue, Buste de Coralie, dating from 1939, sold for €4,800, while it was estimated at between €2,000 and €3,000.  

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious

Technique used

Result

Baked clay

From 100 to 2 500€

Plaster

From 200 to 3 400€

Bronze

From €470 to €4,800

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Artist's style and technique

Jean Osouf is a twentieth-century artist who produced various sculptures as part of the figurative art movement. His work is closely linked to representations of the body and faces. From a technical standpoint, he is influenced by Aristide Maillol, who was his master for many years.

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Jean Osouf, épreuve en bronze à patine brune

Jean Osouf, his life, his work

Jean Osouf (1898-1996), a French artist, became an important figure in 20th-century sculpture, particularly figurative sculpture.

A native of Normandy, he spent his youth at the front during the First World War. He came out of it alive, with numerous injuries, and bought a bookshop in Paris to devote all his days to reading. It was at this point that he began sculpting on his own. From 1928 onwards, he took this activity seriously, encouraged by one of his customers. When Aristide Maillol discovered his work, Jean Osouf became aware of his potential and entered the Scandinavian Academy, where he trained alongside Charles Despiau.

As a converted Catholic, religious art and in particular the medieval period exerted a major influence on his work.

Osouf became a teacher in his own right in 1940, at the Académie Ranson.

He exhibited in various countries throughout Europe and the world, having won over Northern European buyers as well as Americans.

Becoming a portrait specialist, he died in Nogent-sur-Marne at the age of 97.

Jean Osouf's imprint on his period

Jean Osouf is a well-known artist among sculpture enthusiasts, and the author of a sizeable artistic output. Today, most of his works are held by private collectors, which increases the value and success of his works on the auction market.

His statues are particularly prized because they are absolutely unique pieces that reveal the artist's inspiration and way of working, but his bronzes are indisputably his most famous and prized works, which are constantly breaking records on the auction market.

Recognizing Jean Osouf's signature     

It's not always easy to decipher or even be lucky enough to come across a signed Osouf work, which is why expertise is important.

Signature de Jean Osouf

Getting to know the value of a work

If you happen to own a work by Jean Osouf, ask for a free appraisal without delay, using the form on our website. A member of our team will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the value of your work, as well as any relevant information about it. If you're thinking of selling your work, our specialists will also be on hand to help you find alternatives for selling it at the best possible price.

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Frequently asked questions

  • Who was Jean Osouf, and what is his significance in the history of sculpture?
    Jean Osouf (1898–1996) was a leading French sculptor of the 20th century, specializing in figurative and naturalistic sculpture. A self-taught artist who went on to study under Aristide Maillol and Charles Despiau at the Académie Scandinave, he distinguished himself through his portraits and bronze works, becoming a professor at the Académie Ranson in 1940. His works, influenced by religious art and the medieval period, won over collectors in Northern Europe and America.
  • What is the price range for Jean Osouf's sculptures?
    The prices of Jean Osouf’s works vary considerably depending on the technique and quality. Terracotta pieces range from €100 to €2,500, plaster casts from €200 to €3,400, and bronzes—his most prestigious works—from €470 to €4,800. In 2015, his bronze *Bust of Coralie* (1939) exceeded its initial estimate of €2,000–3,000, selling for €4,800.
  • How can you authenticate a work by Jean Osouf and determine its value?
    To authenticate and appraise a work by Jean Osouf, we recommend that you request a free estimate from Auctie's using our online form. Our experts and state-certified auctioneers will analyze your sculpture and provide you with an accurate assessment of its current market value, with no obligation on your part.
  • Is this a good time to sell a sculpture by Jean Osouf?
    Yes, now is a good time to sell a work by Jean Osouf. His works are seeing a significant rise in auction prices and remain particularly sought after by collectors, especially his bronzes, which continue to break records. The relative rarity of his pieces—most of which are held by private collectors—helps maintain and strengthen his market value.
  • How does the sales process work at Auctie's?
    At Auctie's, the process begins with a free, no-obligation appraisal conducted by our specialists. Once we receive your request, we’ll contact you promptly and provide you with an accurate appraisal within 48 hours. If you decide to sell, our experts will then guide you through the entire process to ensure your artwork fetches the best possible price at auction.