Rating and value of sculptures, bronzes and marbles by Auguste Clésinger
Key takeaways
- Clésinger's bronze and marble sculptures sell for between €60 and €265,570, with the marble works being his most prestigious and sought-after pieces.
- In 2012, the bronze statue “Rien!!” (1868) exceeded its initial estimate of €4,000–6,000, selling for €38,000.
- A leading figure in 19th-century naturalist sculpture, Clésinger is particularly admired for his depictions of the human body and faces, influenced by his mentor Thorwalsden.
If you own a work by or after the artist Auguste Clésinger, 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. Then, if you wish to sell your work, we will guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.
Rating and value of the artist Auguste Clésinger
Considered an important artist of naturalistic sculpture, Clésigner leaves behind a unique artistic repertoire, within which bronze works occupy a prominent place. Today, prices for his works are rising dramatically under the auctioneers' hammer. His creations are particularly prized, and the price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €60 to €265,570 - a considerable range, but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to Clésinger's works. In 2012, a bronze statue, Rien !!, dating from 1868, sold for €38,000, while it was estimated at between €4,000 and €6,000.
Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious
Technique used | Result |
|---|---|
Painting | From 200 to 13 420€ |
Bronze | From €60 to €38,000 |
Marble | From 290 to 265 570€ |
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Artist's style and technique
Auguste Clésinger is a 19th-century artist who produced various sculptures as part of the Romantic movement. His work is closely linked to representations of the body and faces. From a technical point of view, he is influenced by Bertel Thorwalsden, who was his master for many years.
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Auguste Clésinger, his life, his work
Auguste Clésinger (1814-183), a French artist, became an important figure in 19th-century sculpture, particularly Romantic sculpture.
A native of Besançon, he was the son of a sculptor who taught at the city's École des Beaux-Arts. Auguste Clésinger studied and learned sculpture from his father and Thorwalsden. As early as 1843, he was admitted to the Salon de 1943, where he first presented busts - which led to his making those of Rachel Félix and Théophile Gautier.
He then turned to purely romantic creations, appropriating Baudelaire's muse to sculpt his Femme piquée par un serpent, which created a scandal at the Salon.
At Barbizon, he frequents Théodore Rousseau and Charles Le Roux, who influence his technique as well as the subjects he will choose to depict. He then married George Sand's daughter.
At the end of his career, he headed the Société nationale de photosculpture.
Auguste Clésinger's imprint on his period
Jean Baptiste Auguste Clésinger is an artist well known to sculpture enthusiasts, and is the author of a fairly substantial artistic output. Today, most of his works are kept by private collectors, which increases the value and success of his works on the auction market.
His bronze sculptures are particularly prized as they are absolutely unique pieces that reveal the artist's inspiration and way of working, but his marbles are indisputably his most famous and prized works, which are constantly breaking records on the auction market.
Recognizing Auguste Clésinger's signature
It's not always easy to decipher or even be lucky enough to come across a signed work by Clésinger, which is why expertise is important.
Getting to know the value of a work
If you happen to own a work by Auguste Clésinger, ask for a free appraisal without delay, using the form on our website. A member of our team will contact you promptly with an estimate of the value of your work, and provide you with all the relevant information. If you're thinking of selling your work, our specialists will also be on hand to help you find alternatives for selling it at the best possible price.
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Frequently asked questions
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Who is Auguste Clésinger, and what is his artistic background?Auguste Clésinger (1814–1883) was a leading 19th-century French sculptor and an iconic figure of Romantic sculpture. A native of Besançon, he studied under his father and the Danish master Bertel Thorwalsden. His works, characterized by expressive depictions of the body and faces, left a lasting mark on his era, particularly his famous “Woman Bitten by a Snake,” which was exhibited at the Salon.
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What are the price ranges for Clésinger's sculptures based on the technique used?The prices of Clésinger’s works vary considerably depending on the medium: paintings range from €200 to €13,420, bronzes from €60 to €38,000, and marble sculptures—his most prestigious works—from €290 to €265,570. These variations reflect the rarity, condition, and historical significance of each piece.
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How can I have a Clésinger artwork authenticated and appraised?To authenticate and appraise a sculpture or bronze by Clésinger, we recommend that you request a free appraisal from Auctie's by filling out the form on our website. A state-certified auctioneer will analyze your piece and provide you with an accurate estimate within 48 hours, with no obligation on your part.
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Is this the right time to sell a work by Clésinger?Yes, now is a good time to sell a work by Clésinger. The market for his sculptures is steadily rising, particularly for his marble works, which regularly break records at auction. Demand from collectors remains strong, and prices continue to rise.
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How does the sale of a Clésinger artwork work at Auctie's?Auctie's supports you every step of the way: after a free appraisal by our experts, we advise you on the best options for selling your artwork at the highest price. As a licensed auction house, we manage the entire process through to the auction sale, ensuring transparency and professionalism.
