Rating and value of old religious paintings

If you own an antique painting, 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 object, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on today's market. Then, if you wish to sell your painting, we will guide you towards the best possible means of obtaining the best possible price. The price of a painting can vary greatly depending on the artist's identification, its state of conservation, the school of painting or the subject depicted.

Rating and value of an antique painting

Antique paintings are quite popular at auction. The price at which they sell on the art and auction market ranges from €10 to €2,300,400, a considerable delta but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to your paintings. They are prized by buyers of all nationalities, and are of interest to some collectors because they are often less expensive than masterpieces when the artist is not identified. In 2023, an oil on panel attributed to Dutch painter Frans Francken II sold for €49,400, whereas it was estimated at between €8,000 and €10,000.

Order of value from the simplest to the most prestigious painting

Reasons to have an antique painting appraised

If you own an antique painting, you may be unaware of its value. Indeed, even if the painting is not signed, it is possible in some cases to identify the artist. If it's listed on the auction market, then the price could rise very quickly. It is also possible that the artist is not identifiable and that we can only know the school of the painting.

Defining an antique religious painting

An antique painting is a work of art painted on a flat surface, usually canvas, wood panel or metal plate, and dating back several centuries. These works are the result of the work of often talented artists who, through the ages, have sought to illustrate various scenes from the Bible. Depending on the period and the country, the iconography and subjects can be very different. However, some attributes are always the same, such as Saint Jerome with the Lion, or Saint John the Evangelist with the Eagle. The 19th century was a pivotal period, and late academic figurative paintings can be considered antique, but with care. The same applies to Romantic paintings.

Art as an expression of Faith

For centuries, religious art has been used to evangelize, teach and nurture the faith of the faithful. Religious paintings capture crucial moments in biblical history and illustrate the lives of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the saints. These artistic representations enable the faithful to visualize and meditate on sacred teachings and events. Art thus plays an essential role in the transmission of religious tradition, helping believers connect with stories that have shaped their faith.

Over time, representations evolve. The Church of Rome, for example, found some of Caravaggio's paintings shocking, as he chose to depict the Virgin as a mere mortal. Gradually, during the Renaissance, representations of martyrdom evolved (cf The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, Mantegna). Suffering is more visible and more keenly felt, thanks to evolving mores and painting techniques.

Religious painting, a landmark in art history

From the Roman catacomb fresco of Priscilla to the Annunciation by Jean Couty, that is, from Antiquity to the present day, religious representations have punctuated art history. Techniques have evolved, as have media, and so has Christian dogma: there have been splits, Protestants have appeared and created the Beeldenstorm (Protestant iconoclasm), then engendered the Council of Trent, which will also have brought its pictorial revolution. Despite these historical upheavals, the enthusiasm remains. Painters continued to use religious subjects, and academism took hold of them. Painters like Hippolyte Lazerges even made them the core of their careers.

A genre of painting at the forefront of academia

Religious paintings are more than just works of art. They are guardians of religious tradition, witnesses to history, ambassadors of faith and inspirations for devotion. Their value goes beyond the material world to touch the souls and spirits of believers, making them precious treasures to be treasured. From the Renaissance to the 19th century, they were considered equal at the very top of the genre hierarchy with history painting.

Preservation and market value

The conservation of old paintings, whether religious or not, is a crucial issue in preserving our artistic heritage. Private collectors play an important role in this preservation. Auctions of old paintings are in some cases highly publicized, with prices sometimes reaching very high sums, making these works of art sought-after investments.

The signing of paintings

Many old paintings are not signed, and neither are the backs of their frames. Here are two examples.

Know the true value of your painting

If you happen to own an antique painting of any school, or think you might, don't hesitate to request a free valuation 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 painting, as well as any relevant information. If you wish to sell your product, 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.