Pierre-Auguste Renoir “Bathing in the Seine” Estate Signed Giclée Print: Value & Authentication Guide

What “estate signed” usually means for Renoir giclées

Renoir died in 1919, so no modern giclée can be personally signed by him. When sellers say “estate signed,” they typically mean one of these scenarios:

• Printed signature in the image: The “Renoir” signature is part of the reproduction. Under magnification it resolves into inkjet dot patterns, just like the rest of the image.
• Publisher/estate stamp or blind emboss: Some editions (often described as “Collection Domaine Renoir”) have an embossed or ink stamp that acts as an authentication mark for the publisher/estate program.
• Certificate of authenticity (COA): A COA can be helpful, but only when it identifies a publisher, edition size, and a specific title/image with matching serial/edition numbers.

Bottom line: estate programs can be legitimate, but they are still a form of decorative licensed reproduction. Values are typically driven by size, presentation, and buyer demand—not by fine-art scarcity.

Quick authentication checklist (what to photograph)

If you only do one thing before listing, do this: take clear, well-lit photos of the edition information and the back of the frame. Buyers and appraisers rely on those details far more than the front image alone.

1) Edition number and total edition size

Look for a format like 42/250 in pencil or pen near the lower margin (often below the image or mat window). A true limited edition should clearly state both the individual number and the edition size. If it only says “Limited Edition” without a fraction, treat it as an open edition for valuation purposes.

2) Estate seal or blind emboss

Many “Domaine Renoir” editions use an embossed seal (a raised stamp you can feel) or an ink stamp. Photograph it with raking light (a lamp held low) so the relief is visible.

3) Signature: hand-signed vs printed

Use a loupe or your phone’s macro mode on the signature area. A printed signature shows dot patterns that match the rest of the image. A hand-applied signature (by a publisher representative, not Renoir) may sit on top of the print surface with different sheen and pressure.

4) Paper, inks, and surface clues for giclées

Giclées are high-resolution inkjet prints. Under magnification you’ll often see micro-dots and smooth gradients rather than the raised paint texture of an original painting. A perfectly flat, uniform surface is normal for a giclée.

5) COA quality (the biggest red flag area)

A COA that only says “Renoir” and a title (with no publisher, no edition size, and no matching number) adds little value. Stronger COAs typically include a publisher name, address, edition size, and a serial or edition number that matches the print.

Appraisal value range for a small Renoir estate giclée

For most small, framed, estate/publisher giclées after Renoir (including “Bathing in the Seine” variants), a realistic market range is:

• $50–$120 for a typical small framed example with a basic COA or back label
• $120–$250 when the edition is clearly numbered and the presentation is strong (better frame, clean mat, no fading)
• $25–$60 if unframed, stained, sun-faded, glass broken, or the “limited edition” claim is not supported by numbering

These are “cash buyer” ranges—what people actually pay, not optimistic asking prices. Many listings sit unsold when priced too close to what a buyer could pay for a larger, more decorative Renoir reproduction from a major retailer.

Auction comps (to calibrate expectations)

A helpful way to price a Renoir-themed giclée is to compare it to three different markets: (1) low-tier “after Renoir” décor prints, (2) legitimate Renoir print editions sold at major auction houses, and (3) authenticated Renoir artworks. The spread is enormous.

• Leland Little Auctions, Aug 27, 2020 — Lot 367 “Framed Print of a Woman after Renoir” (20th c. photogravure), $100 hammer.
• Swann Auction Galleries, Oct 17, 2024 — Lot 137 “PIERRE-AUGUSTE RENOIR Le Chapeau Épinglé (2e planche)”, $17,500 hammer.
• Bonhams, Oct 11, 2024 — Lot 109 “PIERRE-AUGUSTE RENOIR Baigneuse”, £420,000 hammer.

Your estate-signed giclée generally competes in the first tier (decorative reproductions), unless you can document a stronger authorized edition lineage that collectors actively pursue. The second and third tiers require proven authenticity and a recognized work type (period prints, drawings, paintings) with substantial scholarship.

How to sell it (and avoid returns)

These prints sell best when listed honestly and photographed well. Returns happen when a buyer expected a hand-signed fine-art print but receives a modern giclée.

Best places to list

• eBay: largest buyer pool for décor prints; price to sell and allow best offers.
• Etsy: works when framed/presented as wall décor; be careful with language about authenticity.
• Facebook Marketplace: good for local pickup (frames are costly to ship).

Listing title tips

Use accurate phrases like “after Pierre-Auguste Renoir,” “giclée reproduction,” and “estate/publisher edition.” If your COA explicitly states “Collection Domaine Renoir,” include that exact phrase and photograph the document.

Photo checklist for listings

• Front full shot (straight-on, no glare)
• Close-up of the signature area
• Close-up of the edition number (if present)
• Back of frame showing labels/COA/emboss
• Any condition issues (foxing, stains, frame chips) to reduce disputes

Care and display (to protect resale value)

Modern giclées can fade if hung in direct sun. If you want to preserve the look (and any future resale value), consider UV-filtering glazing and avoid high-humidity areas. Keep the COA and any receipts together in a folder—even if they don’t add huge monetary value, they reduce buyer skepticism.