Rating and value of works, sculptures by Louis Ernest Barrias

If you own a work by or after the artist Louis Ernest Barrias, 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 the artist Louis Ernest Barrias

Considered one of the last classical sculptors in France, Barrias was recognized during his lifetime. He followed in the artistic footsteps of François Jouffroy. His legacy therefore consists mainly of sculptures in a variety of materials, especially marble. Today, prices for his works are steadily rising under auctioneers' gavels. His sculptures are prized above all by French and American buyers, and the price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €45 to €355,000 - a considerable delta, but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to the works of Louis Ernest Barrias. In 2022, one of his marble sculptures sold for €355,000 while it was estimated at between €20 000 and €30 000.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious

Style and technique by artist Louis Ernest Barrias

The artist was part of the sculptural neoclassicism movement, becoming one of the most famous and sought-after sculptors of his time. He worked extensively with marble, but also with bronze, and it is the latter material that is most often found in his works on the auction market.

The life of Louis Ernest Barrias 

Louis Ernest Barrias (1841-1905), a French artist, became an important figure in the 20th-century art world, notably as a monument decorator. He was born into a family of artists, his father a porcelain painter. His brother was Félix-Jospeh Barrias, who would go on to become a well-known painter of the 19th century.

He naturally set his sights on an artistic career at an early age, but was not yet sure which art form to experiment with. He studied in the studio of sculptor Jules Cavelier, then painter Léon Cogniet. Painting did not suit him, and François Jouffroy became his teacher. In 1861, he was awarded the second Prix de Rome. With his work La fondation de Marseille, he won the Prix de Rome four years later, building his reputation. Shortly afterwards, he is hired on the construction site of the Garnier opera house. He stays at the Académie de France in Rome and draws inspiration from the greatest, and on his return is one of the most promising artists in France.

He replaces Auguste Dumont at the Institut de France at the end of his career, and is promoted to Commandeur de la Légion d'Honneur. Finally, he was appointed Professor at the Beaux-Arts de Paris.

Louis Ernest Barrias's imprint on his period 

Louis Ernest Barrias proved in France that classical sculpture was still alive. Like the Italians of the Renaissance, he drew inspiration from antique subjects and used their techniques. On the art market today, his bronzes are valued, and his marbles even more so.

Recognizing the signature of Louis Ernest Barrias

Usually, the artist's works are signed and dated at bottom right or left on reliefs, on or under the plinth for the statue.

Knowing the value of a work 

If you happen to own a work by or after Louis Ernest Barrias, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using our 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 ad hoc information about it. If you are considering selling your work, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account the inclinations of the market.