Estimation Pastel

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Pastel

Do you own any pastel? Are you curious to know what they are worth? Our Experts can provide an appraisal to give you an estimate of the market price, then help you to ensure the best possible price should you decide to sell.

The use of pastel

Pastel is an alternative medium to painting to create a drawing, there are dry or oily pastels. It comes in the form of sticks with a round or square cross-section. Pastels were invented towards the end of the 15th century in France and Italy. Leonardo da Vinci was one of the first artists to use them. The use of this material evolved over time. Pastels were originally used to enhance black stone or sanguine drawings. Pastels became a medium in their own right in the 16th century with artists such as the Carracci. This technique is noteworthy for its speed of execution and stylistic variety.

Acclaim for pastel

The practice of pastel was to be put on the same level as painting and sculpture by the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in the 17th century. This technique is especially appreciated for the creating portraits. The renderings are interesting in terms of complexion, textiles and light. Charles Le Brun used pastel for his sketches representing Louis XIV.

Great painters who used pastels

Rosalba Carriera and Maurice Quentin de la Tour mastered the art of portraiture with pastel in the 18th century. It was one of the symbols of the Ancient Regime and was therefore put aside during the Revolution.

In the 19th century, it was used by the Impressionists, the Nabi Group and painters such as Toulouse Lautrec and Degas. The artist Odilon Redon used this medium to translate his emotions. The Petit Palais in Paris recently put pastel in the spotlight with a dedicated exhibition.

How do we appraise your pastel?

Requesting an online appraisal of your drawing is simple. You just need to complete our appraisal form with a brief description and some photos. This information will be sent directly to one of our pastel experts who will provide you with a price range and sales advice.

A team of experts and auctioneers

If you own a pastel, use our online form for an appraisal.

You will then be contacted by a member of our team of experts and auctioneers to give you an independent opinion of the market price. Should you wish to sell your painting, our specialists will also advise you on the various options available for selling at the best price.

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