Rating and value of works, drawings, paintings by Jean Royère

Rating and value of works, drawings, paintings by Jean Royère

Key takeaways

  • Jean Royère, a 20th-century interior designer, has seen his market value rise steadily on the international art market since his successful career.
  • His “polar bear” armchairs are the most sought-after, notably a green pair from 1952 that sold for 2,646,840 euros at Sotheby’s in 2023.
  • Prices vary considerably depending on the type of object: from 50 euros for a drawing to 3,200,000 euros for a storage unit.

If you own a work of art by or based on the artist Jean Royère 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

During the 20th century, Jean Royère was one of the most talented decorators of his era. Since then, his value has risen steadily. As a result, he has become a firm fixture on the international art market. Highly prized by collectors, his armchairs are the most popular on the market, particularly the polar bear model. As a result, a piece of Jean Royère furniture can fetch millions of euros at auction, as evidenced by his green polar bear armchairs dating from 1952, auctioned for €2,646,840 at Sotheby's in 2023.

Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious

Type of object

Result

Drawing - watercolor

From €50 to €2,870

Table

From € 550 to € 510,000

Lighting

From € 150 to € 1,300,000

Armchair

From €130 to €2,646,840

Storage furniture

From €600 to €3,200,000

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The artist's creations and style

Jean Royère creates contemporary furniture and sculptures, his work is refined and thoughtful. He works with a variety of materials such as fabric, rattan, wood and resin, but his material of choice remains wood, which he uses in particular for his storage furniture.

The life of Jean Royère

Jean Royère was born in 1902 in Paris. He trained as a banker and exporter, but decided shortly before his 30th birthday to begin a career as a decorator. He had no formal training, but made a name for himself decorating the Carlton bar on the Champs-Élysées. He presented his work at the Salon d'Automne, and his furniture was much appreciated by clients in the '30s. He quickly succeeded in building up a reliable and lasting clientele.

He acquired an international reputation at the Salon des artistes décorateurs, working with both straw marquetry and laminate to create his guéridons and boule sofas in particular.

During the second half of his career, he spent time in the United States, where he found another clientele ready to buy his furniture. Royère died there in 1981.

Jean Royère's imprint on his period

The decorator marked his time with his refined spirit and minimalist style. He decorated the apartments of important figures of his time, both in France and in the United States. His talent was sought after by major clients, and the artist enjoyed a prosperous career. Today, his works are still appreciated on the auction market and his stock is on the rise. 

Recognizing Jean Royère's signature  

Jean Royère doesn't always sign his works. That's why if you think you own a piece by the artist, it's important to have it appraised to be sure of the originality of your property.

Expertise your property

If you own a work by Jean Royère, don't hesitate 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 piece.

Have your objects estimated for free by our experts

Estimate in less than 24h

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Frequently asked questions

  • Who is Jean Royère, and what is his contribution to 20th-century design?
    Jean Royère (1902–1981) was a leading French interior designer of the 20th century, known for his clean, minimalist style. Although he was initially trained as a banker and exporter, he established himself as one of the most talented interior designers of his time by designing the homes of prominent figures in France and the United States. His creations in wood, rattan, fabric, and resin—particularly his famous polar bear armchairs and ball-shaped sofas—have left an indelible mark on the history of international design.
  • What is the range of values for Jean Royère's works, broken down by type of object?
    The prices of Jean Royère’s works vary considerably depending on the type of object: drawings and watercolors range from 50 to 2,870 euros, while tables range from 550 to 510,000 euros. Light fixtures can fetch up to 1,300,000 euros, armchairs from 130 to 2,646,840 euros, and storage furniture from 600 to 3,200,000 euros. These estimates reflect the exceptional demand from collectors, particularly for high-end furniture.
  • How can you authenticate a work by Jean Royère, and why is it important?
    Jean Royère did not always sign his works, which makes authentication essential. We recommend that you submit your piece for a free appraisal via our online form: a state-certified expert or auctioneer will contact you within 48 hours to verify its authenticity and provide an accurate estimate of your item’s market value.
  • Is this the right time to sell a work by Jean Royère?
    Yes, this is an excellent time to sell a work by Jean Royère. His market value has been rising steadily since the 20th century, and he has established himself as a safe bet on the international art market, highly sought after by collectors. Auction results, such as the sale of the “Polar Bear” armchairs for nearly 2.6 million euros in 2023, confirm strong demand and very favorable market trends.
  • How does the appraisal and sale of a work of art take place at Auctie's?
    The process is simple and non-binding: fill out our online form to request a free appraisal, and a certified appraiser or auctioneer will contact you within 48 hours with an accurate estimate. If you’re interested in selling, our specialists will guide you through the various options available, taking into account market trends and the specific characteristics of your item to help you get the best possible price.