Louis Icart Paintings Value Guide: A Collector's Resource

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.

Louis Justin Laurent Icart was born in Toulouse, France in 1888. He began drawing at an early age and moved to Paris in 1907, where he studied at the Académie Julian. Icart’s artistic career flourished during the 1920s and 1930s, particularly in New York City where his Art Deco style resonated with American audiences.

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 Justin Laurent Icart is born in Toulouse, France.

Relocates to Paris and begins studying painting and drawing.

Achieves significant recognition in America, particularly New York, during the Art Deco period.

Creates his most valuable and sought-after works during this decade.

Passes away in Paris, leaving behind a significant artistic legacy.

Icart’s work, particularly his etchings, has distinct characteristics that help in authentication. Here’s what experts look for:

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.”

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.

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.

Notable Recent Auction Results

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.

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:

1. Original Oil Paintings: The rarest and most valuable Icart works
2. Original Color Etchings: His most recognized and collected works
3. Limited Edition Prints: Authorized prints from original plates
4. Drawings and Studies: Original preparatory works on paper
5. 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

Long-Term Value Trends

According to market data from LiveAuctioneers and Artsy, Icart’s work has demonstrated stable investment potential, particularly for:

1. Rare original paintings
2. Early color etchings from the 1920s
3. Works with provenance from notable collections
4. 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.

Buying Icart Artwork

Reputable sources for purchasing authenticated Icart pieces include:

1. Specialized Art Galleries: Galleries focusing on Art Deco or 20th-century prints often carry authenticated Icart works
2. Major Auction Houses: Heritage Auctions, Christie’s, and Sotheby’s regularly offer Icart pieces
3. Online Art Marketplaces: 1stDibs, Artsy, and Invaluable feature vetted dealers
4. Art Brokers: Services like Art Brokerage connect buyers with verified sellers

Selling Icart Artwork

If you own an Icart piece and are considering selling:

1. Professional Appraisal: Have the work authenticated and appraised by an expert in Art Deco or Icart’s work
2. Auction Consignment: Major auction houses can reach serious collectors
3. Specialty Dealers: Galleries specializing in 20th-century prints often purchase Icart works
4. Online Marketplaces: Consider premium platforms that verify authenticity

Remember that authentication is crucial, as the market contains many reproductions and forgeries.

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.

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.

Yes, Louis Icart's original oil paintings are significantly more valuable than his etchings and prints for several reasons:

1. **Rarity**: Icart produced far fewer original paintings than etchings
2. **Uniqueness**: Each painting is one-of-a-kind, unlike prints which exist in multiple copies
3. **Direct Creation**: Paintings represent the artist's direct hand rather than a reproduction process
4. **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.

To determine if your art prints, including potential Icart works, have significant value:

1. **Examine Authentication Marks**: Look for signatures, edition numbers, and plate marks
2. **Assess Condition**: Check for tears, discoloration, fading, or restoration
3. **Research the Artist and Work**: Identify the specific piece and its place in the artist's catalog
4. **Check Auction Records**: Research recent sales of similar works through platforms like Artprice, LiveAuctioneers, or Heritage Auctions
5. **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.

Several options exist for having your Louis Icart artwork professionally appraised:

1. **Art Appraisal Firms**: Companies specializing in art appraisal can provide formal valuation documents
2. **Auction Houses**: Major auction houses like Christie's, Sotheby's, and Heritage Auctions offer appraisal services
3. **Specialized Galleries**: Galleries focusing on Art Deco or early 20th-century prints often have experts in Icart's work
4. **Professional Appraisers**: Look for members of professional organizations like the American Society of Appraisers
5. **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.

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.

Comprehensive archive of past Louis Icart auction results, with detailed images and descriptions that help establish market values.

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