Arbaud

Artist:

Lucien Arbaud is a French painter known for his expressive, often textured works, usually depicting interior scenes, landscapes, or Provence-inspired themes. His background includes formal training at several respected French art schools and ateliers (notably the École des Beaux-Arts and Atelier Cathelin in Paris), and he exhibited widely across France, Switzerland, the U.S., Israel, and Japan.

Artwork Details

• Title: La Nappe Fleurie (“The Flowered Tablecloth”)
• Year: 2002
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Size: “10F” format — standard French size (approx. 55 cm x 46 cm / 21.6 in x 18.1 in)
• Framed: Yes, in a wooden frame (visible and included in appraisal)
• Signature: Visible lower right
• Authentication: Includes original certificate of authenticity signed by Lucien Arbaud, dated August 18, 2002
• Provenance: Gifted to current owner, originally sold at atelier price of 1,490 Euros
• Condition: Excellent / Mint – no visible damage to canvas, paint, or frame

Artistic Analysis

The composition features a still life with a richly patterned tablecloth, glass vase, and fruit, executed in Arbaud’s characteristic style: bold outlines, harmonious yet contrasting colors, and textured brushwork. The interior scene is reminiscent of Provence — a hallmark of Arbaud’s work — and integrates modernist influences reminiscent of Matisse or the École de Paris.

Market and Valuation

Lucien Arbaud has a strong exhibition record (as seen in the attached résumé: Exposition Arbaud "La Provence") and a modest international following, especially among collectors of contemporary French art. While not widely represented in major auction houses, his works are actively collected via galleries and direct sales.

Current Estimated Value:

• Retail Gallery Price (France/Europe): $1,200 – $1,800 USD
• Private Sale Value: $900 – $1,300 USD
• Auction Estimate (lower visibility): $500 – $800 USD
• Insurance Replacement Value: $1,500 USD

Note: The original atelier price of 1,490 Euros (~$1,500 USD in 2002) aligns with his typical pricing tier. This helps support provenance and pricing legitimacy.

Collector Notes

• Authenticity: Verified via signed certificate directly from the artist.
• Uniqueness: Declared “modèle unique” on certificate — a one-of-a-kind, original painting.
• Exhibition Quality: While this particular piece is not listed in the résumé, its title and completion date place it firmly in the period of Arbaud’s Les Baux exhibitions.

Recommendations

If you are planning to sell:

• Consider listing with platforms that cater to European contemporary art such as:
  • Artnet, SaatchiArt, 1stDibs, eBay (Art section), or LiveAuctioneers
• Emphasize keywords like:
  • French contemporary art, Provence still life, Lucien Arbaud, La Nappe Fleurie, signed oil painting, French expressionist

If you are planning to insure or appraise professionally:

• A written valuation can be reinforced by a local appraiser familiar with European postwar and contemporary artists.