Rating and value of works, drawings, paintings by Serge Poliakoff

Rating and value of works, drawings, paintings by Serge Poliakoff

Key takeaways

  • Serge Poliakoff, a leading artist of the School of Paris since the 1960s, has seen his market value rise steadily in the art market.
  • Oil-on-canvas paintings fetch the highest prices, reaching up to €1,097,920 for "Composition Abstraite" in 2021, while prints range from €20 to €57,085.
  • His works from the 1950s onward, characterized by geometric shapes and contrasting colors, are the most sought-after by collectors at auction.

If you own a work by artist Serge Poliakoff 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.


Artist's rating and value

A major artist of the Paris School, Serge Poliakoff made his mark on the art market as early as the 1960s. Since then, his price has risen steadily, establishing the artist as a market leader. Highly sought-after by collectors, Poliakoff's works from the 50s onwards are the most popular at auction. A painting signed by the artist can fetch millions of euros at auction, as demonstrated by his oil on canvas Composition Abstraite, which fetched €1,097,920 in 2021. 

Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious

Technique used

Result

Estamp - multiple

From €20 to €57,085

Drawing - watercolor

From €200 to €105,000

Upholstery

From 1,700 to €13,000

Oil on canvas

From €280 to €1,097,920

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The artist's works and style

Poliakoff developed a distinctive style characterized by geometric compositions and the use of bright, contrasting colors. He also sought out transparency effects, adding visual depth to his creations.

Poliakoff's work is often described as poetic and expressive. His creations evoke an inner energy and capture emotion through the skilful use of color and form. His unique style has helped position him as one of the major artists of abstraction.

Poliakoff, huile sur toile

The life of Serge Poliakoff

Serge Poliakoff, a French-Russian artist, was born in Moscow in 1900. From an early age, Poliakoff was attracted by religious representations, which prompted him to take drawing lessons. After several years of traveling to the major European capitals, making a living from his talent for the guitar, the young artist settled in Paris.

In the 1930s, Poliakoff joined the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris and discovered abstract art during a stay in London. He also met renowned artists such as Kandinsky and the Delaunay couple. Inspired by this abstract movement, Serge Poliakoff became an important member.

In his paintings, Serge Poliakoff interweaves free-form shapes in vivid colors. Often criticized for the overly decorative appearance of his work, the painter turned to a darker palette. The artist also produced engravings and tapestries.

It wasn't until the early 50s that his creations adopted his signature geometric aesthetic.  In the 60s, Serge Poliakoff abandoned structured, architectural forms to produce almost monochrome canvases or prints, where only the depth of color varies.

Throughout his artistic career, his work was regularly exhibited in France and abroad. After winning various awards, Serge Poliakoff obtained French nationality in 1962 and died a few years later. 

His signature

Not all of Serge Poliakoff's works are signed.

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

Signature de Serge Poliakoff

Expertise your property

If you own a Serge Poliakoff work, 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 Poliakoff 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 work.

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Frequently asked questions

  • Who was Serge Poliakoff, and what was his artistic background?
    Serge Poliakoff (1900–1964) was a leading Franco-Russian artist of the School of Paris and a major figure in abstract art. Born in Moscow, he moved to Paris in the 1930s, where he met Kandinsky and the Delaunays. His distinctive style, characterized by geometric compositions and vivid, contrasting colors, came into its own in the 1950s and established him as a sure bet on the modern art market.
  • What is the price range for Serge Poliakoff's works, depending on the medium?
    The value of Poliakoff’s works varies considerably depending on the medium: prints sell for between €20 and €57,085, drawings and watercolors between €200 and €105,000, tapestries between €1,700 and €13,000, and oil paintings on canvas between €280 and €1,097,920. Paintings created from the 1950s onward are the most sought-after by collectors.
  • How do I have a work by Serge Poliakoff appraised?
    At Auctie's, you can request a free, no-obligation appraisal by filling out an online form. A state-certified expert or auctioneer will contact you to appraise your artwork and provide you with an estimate of its market value within 48 hours. This process allows you to determine your item’s current market value.
  • Is this the right time to sell a work by Serge Poliakoff?
    Yes, now is a good time to sell a work by Poliakoff. His market value has been rising steadily since the 1960s, and the artist remains highly sought after by collectors. The market for abstract art from the 1950s and 1960s is currently thriving, which is driving up the value of his geometric compositions and his prints and paintings.
  • How does the sale of a Poliakoff artwork at Auctie's work?
    After a free, no-obligation appraisal, our specialists will guide you through the best options for selling your artwork. Auctie's supports you from the appraisal stage through to the auction, taking into account market trends and the unique characteristics of your item to secure the best possible price at auction.