Louis Icart Paintings Value Guide: A Collector's Resource
Discover the true value of Louis Icart paintings and prints in today's market with this comprehensive guide to authentication, pricing, and investment potential.
By Appraisily TeamLast updated July 3, 2023
Louis Icart (1888-1950) stands as one of the most celebrated Art Deco artists of the early 20th century. His elegant, often erotic depictions of fashionable women and pastoral scenes have captivated collectors for generations. If you’ve discovered what might be an Icart piece or are considering investing in his work, understanding the current market values and authentication process is essential.
This comprehensive guide will explore the factors affecting Louis Icart paintings’ value, how to identify authentic works, recent auction results, and investment considerations for collectors.
<h2 class="section-header__title">
<span>Who Was Louis Icart?</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">Before assessing the value of Icart’s work, it’s important to understand his artistic significance and career trajectory.</div>
Icart is primarily known for his etchings and engravings rather than oil paintings, though he worked in both mediums. His signature style features elegant, fashionable women in romantic or mildly erotic scenarios, often with flowing dresses, and frequently accompanied by animals such as dogs (particularly greyhounds) or birds.
Louis Icart Career Timeline
1888
Birth in Toulouse
Louis Justin Laurent Icart is born in Toulouse, France.
1907
Move to Paris
Relocates to Paris and begins studying painting and drawing.
1920s
New York Success
Achieves significant recognition in America, particularly New York, during the Art Deco period.
1930s
Peak Production
Creates his most valuable and sought-after works during this decade.
1950
Death in Paris
Passes away in Paris, leaving behind a significant artistic legacy.
<h2 class="section-header__title">
<span>Authenticating Louis Icart Artwork</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">Authenticating an Icart piece is the crucial first step in determining its value. Due to his popularity, there are many reproductions on the market.</div>
Icart’s work, particularly his etchings, has distinct characteristics that help in authentication. Here’s what experts look for:
Authentication Checklist for Louis Icart Works
Essential elements to verify when authenticating Icart pieces
Signature verification - Icart's signature evolved over time
Presence of a plate mark on etchings
Copyright information (F. Champagne or Les Graveurs Modernes)
Blind stamp or embossing mark
High-quality paper consistent with the era
Appropriate aging and patina
Edition number or notation
Signature Verification
Icart’s signature evolved over time, which can help date a piece. His early works (pre-1920) typically show “Louis Icart” in a flowing script. Later works often feature a more stylized “Icart” with a distinctive capital “I” and flourish on the final “t”.
Plate Marks and Blind Stamps
One of the most reliable authentication methods for Icart etchings is the presence of a plate mark. Since Icart used thin plates, both the top and bottom edges of the plate can be visible in the paper. This mark is created during the printing process and must be present on genuine etchings.
Many authentic Icart prints also feature a blind stamp or embossing, often from publishers like F. Champagne or Les Graveurs Modernes.
Paper Quality and Aging
Authentic Icart prints were typically produced on high-quality papers that age in specific ways. Modern reproductions often use contemporary papers that won’t demonstrate the same aging characteristics as original works from the 1920s and 1930s.
As Lockport Street Gallery notes: “The plate mark is created during the printing process, and has to be there if the work is an etching as opposed to a reproduction lithographic print.”
<h2 class="section-header__title">
<span>Current Market Values for Louis Icart Works</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">The market for Louis Icart artwork varies significantly based on several factors including medium, subject matter, condition, and provenance.</div>
According to recent auction data from Heritage Auctions and Invaluable, Icart’s works have sold for prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands.
Louis Icart Artwork Price Ranges
Current market values based on recent auction data
Category
Price
Notes
Original Oil Paintings
$5,000 - $20,000+
Rare and highly sought-after
Original Color Etchings (1920s-1930s)
$1,000 - $8,000
Prices vary by subject; glamour scenes command premium
Limited Edition Prints
$500 - $3,000
Value depends on rarity and edition size
Black & White Etchings
$300 - $1,500
Generally less valuable than color works
Charcoal/Pencil Drawings
$800 - $2,500
Preliminary studies can be valuable if authenticated
Modern Reproductions
$50 - $300
No significant investment value
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According to 1stDibs, “the price for these items starts at $175 and tops out at $19,798, while the average work can sell for $1,875.” This range aligns with auction results from other major platforms.
Louis Icart Market Statistics
3,499th
Ranking Among Artists
Position in the top 5,000 best-selling artists at auction globally
$19,798
Top Auction Price
Highest recent sale price for an Icart artwork
$1,875
Average Sale Price
Typical value for authenticated Icart works in good condition
Notable Recent Auction Results
Recent Louis Icart Auction Sales
Selected high-value sales from major auction houses
Item
Price
Date
Auction House
"Speed" (1927 Etching)
$4,895
2022
Original Art Broker
"Lion and Unicorn" (Color Lithograph)
$4,200
2021
Heritage Auctions
"Clipped Cupid's Wings" (Lithograph)
$3,800
2022
Invaluable
"Meadow Maiden" (1946)
$450
2023
Gilden's Art Gallery
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</table>
According to Artprice, Icart’s works are “mainly sold in the United States,” which is consistent with his historical popularity in America during the Art Deco period.
<h2 class="section-header__title">
<span>Factors Affecting Louis Icart Artwork Value</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">Several key factors influence the market value of Louis Icart’s paintings, etchings, and prints.</div>
Subject Matter
Icart’s most valuable works typically feature:
Elegant women in Art Deco fashion
Mildly erotic or romantic scenes
Greyhound dogs (a signature motif)
Parisian scenes
Art Deco styling and composition
Works featuring these elements typically command premium prices compared to his more conventional landscapes or pastoral scenes.
Medium and Technique
Icart worked in several mediums, each with its own value hierarchy:
Original Oil Paintings: The rarest and most valuable Icart works
Original Color Etchings: His most recognized and collected works
Limited Edition Prints: Authorized prints from original plates
Drawings and Studies: Original preparatory works on paper
Modern Reproductions: Little investment value
Condition Considerations
Condition dramatically impacts value. Common condition issues include:
Paper discoloration or foxing
Fading of colors (especially reds)
Tears or repairs
Trimmed margins
Frame damage
Improper restoration attempts
Pieces in excellent original condition with vibrant colors can command prices 40-60% higher than those with significant condition issues.
Provenance and Documentation
Artwork with documented history or provenance from reputable galleries or collections typically achieves higher prices. Documentation might include:
Gallery certificates of authenticity
Previous auction records
Exhibition history
Publications featuring the work
Original purchase receipts
<h2 class="section-header__title">
<span>Investment Potential</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">Louis Icart works have shown steady appreciation over time, particularly for his most desirable subjects.</div>
Long-Term Value Trends
According to market data from LiveAuctioneers and Artsy, Icart’s work has demonstrated stable investment potential, particularly for:
Rare original paintings
Early color etchings from the 1920s
Works with provenance from notable collections
Pieces with popular subject matter (Art Deco women, fashion scenes)
Collecting Strategy
For collectors interested in Icart as an investment:
Focus on authenticated, original works rather than reproductions
Prioritize excellent condition over size or subject
Consider pieces with documentation or provenance
Research auction history through resources like Artprice before purchasing
Work with reputable dealers specializing in Art Deco and Icart’s work
As noted by Art Brokerage: “Louis Icart was born in Toulouse, France. He began drawing at an early age.” This early artistic development contributed to his distinctive style that continues to appeal to collectors today.
<h2 class="section-header__title">
<span>Where to Buy and Sell Louis Icart Artwork</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">For those looking to purchase or sell Icart works, several reputable marketplaces specialize in his artwork.</div>
Buying Icart Artwork
Reputable sources for purchasing authenticated Icart pieces include:
Specialized Art Galleries: Galleries focusing on Art Deco or 20th-century prints often carry authenticated Icart works
Major Auction Houses: Heritage Auctions, Christie’s, and Sotheby’s regularly offer Icart pieces
Art Brokers: Services like Art Brokerage connect buyers with verified sellers
Selling Icart Artwork
If you own an Icart piece and are considering selling:
Professional Appraisal: Have the work authenticated and appraised by an expert in Art Deco or Icart’s work
Auction Consignment: Major auction houses can reach serious collectors
Specialty Dealers: Galleries specializing in 20th-century prints often purchase Icart works
Online Marketplaces: Consider premium platforms that verify authenticity
Remember that authentication is crucial, as the market contains many reproductions and forgeries.
Common Questions About Louis Icart Artwork Value
How can you tell an original Icart from a reproduction?
Authenticating an original Icart requires examination of several elements:
Plate Mark: Genuine etchings will have a visible plate mark impressed into the paper
Paper Quality: Original works use specific papers from the period
Signature Analysis: Icart’s signature evolved throughout his career
Blind Stamp: Many original prints have publisher’s blind stamps or embossing
Printing Technique: Original etchings have a different appearance under magnification than reproductions
As Lockport Street Gallery explains, "Since Icart used thin plates, both the top and bottom edges of the plate can be visible in the paper. The plate mark is created during the printing process, and has to be there if the work is an etching as opposed to a reproduction lithographic print."
When in doubt, consult with an expert who specializes in Icart’s work or Art Deco prints.
What makes some Louis Icart prints more valuable than others?
Several factors determine why certain Icart prints command higher prices:
Subject Matter: Art Deco women, fashion scenes, and erotic themes typically bring premium prices
Rarity: Limited editions or early prints are more valuable than later reprints
Condition: Excellent condition with vibrant colors significantly increases value
Size: Larger works typically command higher prices
Provenance: History of ownership and documentation adds value
Coloration: Hand-colored or richly colored pieces are particularly desirable
Historical Significance: Works featured in exhibitions or publications often sell for more
His most valuable period is generally considered to be works from the 1920s and early 1930s, at the height of the Art Deco movement.
Are Louis Icart paintings worth more than his etchings?
Yes, Louis Icart's original oil paintings are significantly more valuable than his etchings and prints for several reasons:
Rarity: Icart produced far fewer original paintings than etchings
Uniqueness: Each painting is one-of-a-kind, unlike prints which exist in multiple copies
Direct Creation: Paintings represent the artist’s direct hand rather than a reproduction process
Size and Impact: Paintings are often larger and more visually impactful
While his paintings may sell for $5,000-$20,000+, his etchings typically range from $500-$5,000 depending on subject, condition, and other factors. However, because his etchings are more numerous in the market, they represent the majority of Icart sales.
How do I know if my art prints are valuable?
To determine if your art prints, including potential Icart works, have significant value:
Examine Authentication Marks: Look for signatures, edition numbers, and plate marks
Assess Condition: Check for tears, discoloration, fading, or restoration
Research the Artist and Work: Identify the specific piece and its place in the artist’s catalog
Check Auction Records: Research recent sales of similar works through platforms like Artprice, LiveAuctioneers, or Heritage Auctions
Consult an Expert: Have the work examined by a reputable appraiser or gallery specializing in the artist
As noted in art market resources, "The value of a print is shaped by factors like quality, notoriety and rarity. The collectability of a print will increase if the image is desirable, the artist is acclaimed or the edition length is limited."
For Icart specifically, look for plate marks, blind stamps, and high-quality paper consistent with his era of production.
Where can I get my Louis Icart artwork appraised?
Several options exist for having your Louis Icart artwork professionally appraised:
Art Appraisal Firms: Companies specializing in art appraisal can provide formal valuation documents
Auction Houses: Major auction houses like Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Heritage Auctions offer appraisal services
Specialized Galleries: Galleries focusing on Art Deco or early 20th-century prints often have experts in Icart’s work
Professional Appraisers: Look for members of professional organizations like the American Society of Appraisers
Online Appraisal Services: Some services offer preliminary evaluations based on photographs
When seeking an appraisal, look for appraisers with specific experience with Art Deco prints and Icart’s work. Request references and verify their credentials before proceeding. Be prepared to pay a fee for professional appraisal services, which typically range from $150-$500 depending on the complexity and purpose of the appraisal.
<h2 class="section-header__title">
<span>Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Louis Icart</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">Louis Icart’s elegant Art Deco creations continue to captivate collectors and art enthusiasts nearly a century after their creation.</div>
The market for Louis Icart artwork remains robust, with his distinctive blend of Art Deco elegance, subtle eroticism, and technical mastery appealing to collectors around the world. While his works vary significantly in value based on medium, subject, and condition, authenticated Icart pieces represent both aesthetic pleasure and potential investment value.
For collectors, the key considerations remain authentication, condition, and provenance. Given the prevalence of reproductions in the market, working with reputable dealers and auction houses is essential when buying or selling Icart works.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to Icart’s work, understanding the factors that influence his artwork’s value will help you make informed decisions about acquisitions, sales, and the long-term management of these elegant pieces of Art Deco history.
