Rating and value of works, drawings, paintings by François Lembo
Key takeaways
- François Lembo (1930–2013), a leading French ceramic artist of the 1960s and 1970s, is known for his mirrors adorned with gilding and iridescent glazes inspired by Byzantine art.
- The artist’s works, particularly his mirrors, crucifixes, and religious icons, sell for between 80 and 1,350 euros at auction.
- Based in Vallauris since 1960, Lembo created pieces for more than twenty years that were characterized by a unique Oriental style, sometimes mistaken for those of Mithé Espelt.
An atypical French ceramist, François Lembo (1930-2013) was a key artist in the decorative arts of the 60s and 70s. Known for his mirrors, François Lembo surprises with his style inspired by Byzantine religious art.
If you own a work by artist François Lembo 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 direct you to the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.
Ceramist's rating and value
Because of their unique style, objects by François Lembo are common on the art market. Highly appreciated, the artist's works, particularly his mirrors, are highly prized at auction and fetch significant sums under the auctioneer's hammer his pieces sell for between 80 and 1,350. For example, a creation by François Lembo can fetch thousands of euros at auction.
Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious
Object sold | Result |
|---|---|
Mirror and other items | From €80 to €1,350 |
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The artist's works and style
François Lembo's style is inspired by Byzantine and Oriental art. Best known for his mirrors, the artist also creates crucifixes and religious icons.
Easily recognizable by their gilding and iridescent enamels, Lembo's objects are highly appreciated and find their perfect place in an interior.
The life of François Lembo
François Lembo was born in Vallauris in 1930. He soon trained as a ceramist as an apprentice in the Calva and Rossignol workshops.
After completing his apprenticeship and military service, Lembo spent three years working alongside his father-in-law, Marc Roussel. He subsequently opened his own workshop in Vallauris in 1960.
Influenced by the Byzantine art he discovered at Roussel, François Lembo created mirrors and crosses in an oriental style. He also creates Russian icons. These ceramic pieces are adorned with gilding and iridescent, pearl-like enamels, imitating precious gems.
For over twenty years, François Lembo remained faithful to his favorite themes, devoting himself mainly to the creation of mirrors and icons, which are exhibited in M. Dubois's "Terre de Provence" gallery.
For over twenty years, François Lembo remained faithful to his favorite themes, devoting himself mainly to the creation of mirrors and icons, which are exhibited in M. Dubois's "Terre de Provence" gallery. Dubois's "Terre de Provence" gallery.
His most common religious representations include Virgins with Child, Saint George slaying the dragon and the beardless young Christ.
His mirrors have often been confused with those of Mithé Espelt.
François Lembo passed on his passion to his son. Today, Renaud Lembo continues his father's legacy by creating mirrors in a different style.
His signature
Not all of François Lembo's work is signed.
Although there are variations, here is a first example of his signature:
Expertise your property
If you own a François Lembo work, feel free 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 François Lembo 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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Frequently asked questions
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Who was François Lembo, and what is his artistic style?François Lembo (1930–2013) was a leading French ceramic artist in the decorative arts of the 1960s and 1970s, originally from Vallauris. His distinctive style was inspired by Byzantine and Eastern religious art, characterized by gilding and iridescent glazes that mimic precious gemstones. He is best known for his mirrors, Russian icons, and religious depictions such as the Virgin and Child and Saint George slaying the dragon.
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What is the current market value of François Lembo's works at auction?François Lembo’s works, particularly his mirrors, are highly sought after in the art market and fetch significant prices. His pieces generally sell for between €80 and €1,350, with some signed works fetching several thousand euros at auction, depending on their rarity and condition.
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How can you authenticate and appraise a work by François Lembo?To authenticate and appraise a work by François Lembo, we recommend that you request a free appraisal from Auctie's by filling out our online form. A state-certified expert or auctioneer will examine your piece and provide you with an accurate estimate of its current market value, with no obligation on your part.
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Is this the right time to sell a work by François Lembo?Yes, now is a good time to sell a work by François Lembo. His pieces—particularly his mirrors—are in high demand at auctions and always find buyers in the art market. Demand for this type of decorative art remains steady, and prices regularly reach significant levels.
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How does the sale of a work by François Lembo at Auctie's work?At Auctie's, we guide you every step of the way: you start by requesting a free estimate, and then our experts help you choose the best sales approach to get the best possible price. Our specialists take into account market trends and the unique characteristics of your item to maximize your chances of success at auction.
