The artist is one of the initiators of the artistic movement of free figuration which started in 1979. Leader of this movement in Europe, a real star in France since the 1980's, he is today considered as one of the most important living French artists. Robert Combas is the only French artist to be part of the 500 most highly rated artists in the world (according to Artprice).
This new generation of painters is animated by an enthusiasm and casualness that contrasts with the severity of the 1970s (minimal and conceptual art, Arte povera, Supports/Surfaces, etc.). However, unlike the Italian Transavangardia and the German neo-expressionists, these painters do not take refuge in any nostalgia. They inscribe themselves without shame or guilt in the current events of their time, with a colorful, graphic and simplified style inspired by comics, science fiction, children's drawings and suburban culture.
However, Figuration libre artists remain less influenced by graffiti than Americans. Their painting refers more to "popular arts": monsters and robots for Di Rosa; art brut and Arab and African imagery for Combas; tales and legends, circus for Blanchard; advertising and industrial objects for Boisrond. 

What is the value of a Combas on the art market?

Let's look at some recent results: on September 5th, you could have bought a tee-shirt with a mixed technique by Robert Combas for 2,000 euros, interesting for an original, even on a tee-shirt!
However, when we look at the results of the paintings, it becomes more complex: a lot of results in public auctions and very disparate. Large formats can reach 150,000 euros (250 x 295 cm) and large formats of more modest size such as "Double head younger girls" which seduced a collector at 32,500 euros out of an estimate of 15,000 to 20,000 euros. As for the even smaller formats, the estimates are around 10,000 to 20,000 euros. 
Many elements come into play, the time, the format, the subject, so many notions that can be difficult to grasp for a neophyte.

The price of works on paper, whether drawing, watercolor, felt and often mixed technique, the results oscillate on average around 3,000 euros.

Sculptures are less present in auctions but the results remain comfortable, often exceeding 10.000 euros, and can go up to 25.000 euros for typical subjects of the artist.

Thus, if you wish to sell a work by Robert Combas, the first step is the expertise, then the estimation and finally the sale. Our team of experts is at your disposal to advise you in the course of these different steps. We can first provide you with a pre-expertise and an online estimate.

Ask for an estimate of my Combas painting

LOT n°38 Robert Combas Robert COMBAS (1957) - Lourdas - Technique mixte su r papier signée sur le côté droit et daté (19)99 - 33,5 x 26,5 cm - Provenance : Atelier de l'artiste - Galerie Dewart - Place du Sablon, Bruxelles Fiche détaillée