Rating and value of sculptures, bronzes and marbles by James Pradier

If you own a work by or after the artist James Pradier, 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 guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.

Rating and value of artist James Pradier  

Considered one of the leaders of neoclassical sculpture, Pradier leaves behind a unique artistic repertoire, within which bronze works occupy a prominent place. Today, prices for his works are rising dramatically under the auctioneer's hammer. His creations are particularly prized, and the price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €100 to €127,280, a considerable gap but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to James Pradier's works. A marble statue, Pandora - Hebe - Flora - Venus, sold for €127,280, whereas it was estimated at between €42,425 and €70,700.  

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious

Artist's style and technique

James Pradier is an early 19th-century artist who produced various sculptures as part of the neoclassical movement. His work is linked to Greek mythology and nature, drawing inspiration from other currents.

James Pradier, his life, his work

James Pradier (1790-1852), a Swiss artist, became a leading figure in 19th-century sculpture.

Born in Geneva, he was apprenticed to a watch engraver at the age of 12. He enrolled in a public drawing school with his brother, who decided to take up painting. James Pradier decided to follow him to Paris, where he worked for François-Frédéric Lemot. He is admitted to the École des Beaux-Arts, where he is trained by François Rude and David d'Angers. He produced several works for the Prix de Rome, which gave him access to the Académie de France in Rome. In addition to his work as a sculptor, he perfected his drawing skills at the Académie de Saint-Luc.

In 1819, he returned to Paris and won a gold medal at the Salon, making a name for himself and enabling him to receive commissions, first private and then public, from the various political regimes he experienced during his career.

James Pradier's imprint on his period

James Pradier is an artist known to lovers of sculpture and painting, he is the author of a fairly small 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 bronzes are particularly prized because 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 James Pradier's signature  

It's not always easy to decipher or even be lucky enough to come across a signed work by Pradier, which is why expertise is important.

Segmentation du marché et cote de l’artiste

Le marché est hiérarchisé et fortement polarisé. La distinction entre œuvres uniques (marbres, plâtres originaux) et les œuvres éditées (bronzes, réductions) est fondamentale.

La typologie des œuvres en circulation comprend des marbres originaux, qui sont extrêmement rares sur le marché, et majoritairement conservés dans des collections publiques. Les plâtres originaux ou d’atelier constituent un segment très recherché, et sont importants pour l’histoire de l’art.

Les bronzes édités (réductions ou fontes posthumes) constituent le segment principal réellement accessible au marché privé. Les nus féminins mythologiques ou allégoriques sont une catégorie très recherchée, tandis que les portraits et bustes font partie d’une catégorie plus étroite, avec une valeur dépendante du modèle représenté.

Le marbre est le sommet absolu de la cote. Le plâtre a une valeur patrimoniale très élevée, surtout s’il est autographe. Les bronzes ont une forte variabilité selon la date de fonte, la qualité de la ciselure et le fondeur identifié. Les fontes du vivant de Pradier ou proches chronologiquement ont une prime significative.

James Pradier appartient au segment supérieur du marché de la sculpture du XIXème siècle. La cote repose sur la rareté des œuvres uniques et la centralité du nu féminin dans l’histoire de la sculpture.

Reconnaître la signature de James Pradier  

Il n’est pas toujours aisé de déchiffrer ou même d’avoir la chance de tomber sur une œuvre signée de Pradier, c’est pourquoi l’expertise est importante.

Getting to know the value of a work

If you happen to own a work by James Pradier, 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.