Rating and value of works, drawings, paintings by Raoul Dufy

If you own a work by the artist Raoul Dufy 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.

Artist's rating and value

An important artist of the 20th century, Raoul Dufy has a high and growing rating on the auction market. A common sight in auction rooms, Raoul Dufy's works attract a large number of collectors, particularly landscape enthusiasts. As a result, Raouf Dufy is a sure thing on the art market, with prices for his works ranging from €5 to €5,464,800 - a substantial delta, but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to the artist's works. A case in point is his oil on canvas La foire aux oignions, which sold for €5,464,800 in 2007. 

Order of value from basic to prestigious

The artist's works and style

Audacious and expressive, Raoul Dufy's style is distinguished by a vivid, luminous palette. Indeed, the artist used pure tones and strong contrasts to create his compositions full of life and vibrancy. Moreover, Dufy applied his colors in broad strokes or flat tints to give an impression of spontaneity and vitality.

Raoul Dufy most often depicted scenes of everyday life, landscapes and regattas. Endowed with an ability to capture the moment in all simplicity, Dufy's compositions are dynamic and rhythmic, lending a playful dimension to his work.

The artist also devoted himself to ceramics, creating portraits and landscapes on ceramic plates or tiles, as well as vases and other pieces such as bowls and planters. The shapes of the vases are generally classical, but they are decorated with Fauvist landscapes, portraits, figures or animals, such as butterflies.

The life of Raoul Dufy

Raoul Dufy was born in Le Havre in 1877. At the age of 16, the young artist entered the École municipale des Beaux-Arts du Havre and attended evening classes given by painter Charles Lhuillier.

In 1900, Raoul Dufy moved to Paris and entered the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts. He soon participated in various salons, including the Salon des Indépendants in 1903.

Dufy then turned to Fauvism after discovering the work of Matisse and Signac. He depicts the streets of his hometown with thick black strokes that emphasize the architecture. At the Salon d'Automne in 1907, he was struck by Cézanne's painting and went to l'Estaque with Georges Braque to better understand his work. His canvases are geometric, playing with depth and volume, while remaining legible and using bright colors.

In his search for a unique style, Raoul Dufy undertook trips to several countries from 1919 onwards, such as Italy, Sicily and Morocco, in search of new sources of inspiration. But it was in Provence that Dufy found the essence of his creativity. He fused his exceptional mastery of drawing with brilliant color. His line freed itself from the constraints of cubism, allowing curves and arabesques to take shape.

His signature

Not all of Raoul Dufy's works are signed.

Although there are variations, here's a first example of his signature:

Expertise your property

If you own a work by Raoul Dufy, don't hesitate 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 work signed by Raoul Dufy.

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 work.