Rating and value of works, drawings, paintings by Étienne Dinet

If you own a work by artist Etienne Alphonse Dinet or based on his work 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 guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain an optimal price. 

Value and quotation of the artist 

On the art market, Dinet's works are surely the most sought-after and appreciated in the category of Orientalist painting. His most successful works are his depictions of Berber culture and also his few nudes. Some exceptional paintings sell for several hundred thousand euros at auction, as evidenced by his painting Le fils d'un saint Marabeth sold for over a million euros in 2019.

Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious

The artist's style and technique

Dinet's works are characterized by his use of rich, vibrant colors and meticulous attention to detail. Through his compositions, the artist manages to convey the poetry and emotion of these scenes of daily life, offering a unique insight into Algeria and its people.

The life of Étienne Alphonse Dinet 

Étienne Alphonse Dinet (1861-1929), from a wealthy family, developed an interest in Oriental art and culture while still a student. On the eve of his 19th birthday, he took a trip to Algeria. Immediately fascinated by the beauty of the landscape and the richness of Arab culture, this experience marked the beginning of his deep commitment and support for Algeria and its people.

Dinet's early career was characterized by paintings of a religious nature (such as Le Golgotha and Saint Julien l'Hospitalier). However, following the discovery of the Sahara, he broke with his predecessors and the academic tradition of religious painting.

From the 1880s, his attention turned to Algerian traditions and narratives, which gave him new impetus. Thanks to his sharp eye for capturing the nuances of southern light, the Orientalist painter painted ethnographic portraits as well as landscapes. Over the years, Dinet returned regularly to Algeria. He studied the Arabic language, religion and local traditions. He developed close ties with the North African community. These intimate experiences nourished his artistic work, enabling him to capture the beauty of landscapes, scenes of rural life and portraits of local people with great acuity. He thus became an indisputable figure of French Orientalism.

He nevertheless returned to France a few times to exhibit his work, at the Galerie Georges Petit and in the Salons. He founds the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts with several artists, including Auguste Rodin and Carolus-Duran. He was also one of the founders of the Société des peintres orientalistes français.

He died in 1930, and an official funeral was held in Algeria, attended by the Governor.

Etienne Dinet's imprint on his period 

In addition to his fine art work, Dinet published works on Arab culture. His most famous book, entitled "L'opium et le Pinceau", recounts his adventures and reflections on life in Algeria.

Étienne Alphonse Dinet played an important role in the promotion and recognition of Arab culture in France. His work has been recomposed and exhibited.

Today, Étienne Alphonse Dinet's works continue to be admired and appreciated for their beauty, authenticity and contribution to the representation of Arab culture.

His signature

Etienne Dinet's works are not all signed. He generally signs : " E. Dinet " in the bottom right-hand corner of his paintings. 

Expertise your property

If you happen to own a work by or after Etienne Alphonse Dinet, please don't hesitate to request a free valuation by filling in our form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly with an estimate of the value of your work, and will provide you with all the relevant information. If you are planning to sell your work, our specialists will also be on hand to provide you with alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market inclinations and specificities.