Rating and value of Paul Paulin's sculptures and bronzes

If you own a work by or after Paul Paulin, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its current market value. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your work, we will direct you to the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.

Rating and value of the artist Paul Paulin      

The artist Paul Paulin leaves in his wake a very singular body of work, composed of many busts. A talented sculptor, he created numerous sculptures that were particularly prized at auction. Prices for his works are now skyrocketing under auctioneers' gavels. They are particularly prized by French and European buyers. The price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €80 to €52,000, a considerable delta but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to Paulin's works. A bronze sculpture, Portrait d'Edgar Degas à 72 ans, dating from 1907, sold for €32,000, while it was estimated at between €15,000 and €18,000.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious

Style and technique of artist Paul Paulin         

Paul Paulin masters traditional sculptural techniques: bronze and plaster, to produce a large number of sculptures in the Impressionist movement, which make up the bulk of his work.  

Paul Paulin, his life, his work

Cirgue Paul Jalicon (1852-1937) or Paul Paulin, a French sculptor, became an important figure in Impressionist sculpture in the 19th century.

A native of Chamalières, he soon moved to Paris, where he studied dentistry. His career was successful, but did not allow him to do what he really loved.

From 1881, he began sculpting and painting. Two years later, he met Edgar Degas, who inspired him to continue creating (Paulin's busts of Pierre Paulin are among his most highly-rated works on the auction market today).

He exhibited his work at the Salon des Artistes français and was soon noticed. He then met the greatest artists of his time : Rodin, Pissarro, Monet ... with whom he became friends and whose busts he created.

At the age of 85, he died in Neuilly in 1937.

Paul Paulin's imprint on his period

Some of Paul Paulin's works are visible and scattered in various cities in Europe and France, including Orsay, but relatively few: most of his output is in private collections. He leaves a legacy in the history of 19th-century art and sculpture.

Recognizing the artist's signature

Not all of Paul Paulin's works are signed, and different variants exist. That's why, if you think you own a work by or after the artist, it's essential to have it appraised by an expert who can authenticate it.

The Artist's Techniques

Style

Paul Paulin’s training was shaped by academic instruction, emphasizing anatomical precision and compositional clarity. His body of work is diverse and includes busts, medals, and monumental sculptures, often related to public commemoration.

His sculptural approach is rigorous, based on a careful study of the proportions and structure of the human body. His precise modeling allows him to render facial features with finesse in his portraits.

His style is relatively understated and naturalistic, avoiding excessive dramatic effects in favor of a balanced representation.

Spotlight on a Key Work

Bust of Victor Hugo, late 19th century

This sculpted portrait is characterized by meticulous attention to the model’s facial features and expression. The modeling of the hair and beard is vigorous, accentuating the figure’s physical and symbolic presence.

The composition focuses on the head and upper torso, in keeping with the classical tradition of the commemorative bust. The surface is rendered with subtle variations between smooth areas and more textured passages.

There is no superfluous decoration, with the aim of focusing attention on the personality of the subject. The work is representative of the tradition of academic sculpted portraiture, where physiognomic accuracy is combined with monumental dignity.

FAQ – How do you appraise a work by Paul Paulin? 

1) What stylistic criteria specific to Paul Paulin are key?

For Paul Paulin, the analysis focuses on structural design, the quality of materials, and the balance between functionality and artistic expression—characteristics of an approach rooted in the field of contemporary design.  

2) How important are the edition or production method?

The distinction between a one-of-a-kind piece, a prototype, or a limited edition is a key factor in valuation, as these parameters directly influence the object’s rarity and value.

3) What role do provenance and documentation play?

A clearly established provenance, participation in exhibitions, design fairs, or specialized publications, as well as inclusion in private or institutional collections, help to confirm attribution and enhance the object’s value.

Market Segmentation

Prices of Artworks

Paul Paulin was a sculptor working in the naturalist and animalistic traditions. He occupied a mid-range segment of the French sculpture market around 1900, at the intersection of the academic tradition and decorative sculpture.

Major animal-themed bronzes generally sell for between €10,000 and €80,000, depending on the subject and the quality of the casting. Medium-sized bronzes constitute the core segment of the market, priced between €4,000 and €20,000.

Small decorative sculptures are part of a more accessible market ranging from €1,000 to €6,000.

Factors Affecting Value

Sculptures created during the artist’s lifetime and cast by renowned foundries command a significant premium. Differences in edition size can result in value disparities of two to three times between individual pieces.

The market is relatively active in sales of decorative arts and animal sculpture, primarily in France and Europe. The quality of the casting, the original patina, the dynamism of the composition, and an established provenance are the main factors determining value.

Recognizing Paul Paulin’s Signature      

Paul Paulin usually signs his sculptures and works on paper “Paulin.” However, there are many copies, which is why expert appraisal is essential. 

Knowing the value of a work

If you happen to own a work by or after Paul Paulin, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using the form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your work, as well as any relevant information about it. If you wish to sell your work, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives to sell it at the best possible price, taking into account the inclinations of the market.