Francis PICABIA (1879-1953)

Other possible identifications: attributed, manner, follower

Born in Paris in 1879 at “82, rue des Petits-Champs”, Francis Picabia died in 1953 at the same address. The only son of a diplomat, he grew up in a wealthy family far from the nonconformist movements he will be attracted to later. In 1905, his paintings were exported abroad following the success of his exhibition at Haussmann gallery. He participated in the Armory Show New York in 1913 with his friend Marcel Duchamp, but his work was mocked by critics, as was often the case in his career. Between Paris, the French Riviera, Barcelona and New York, this great socialite, active in the “Puteaux group” and founder of the review 391, rubbed shoulders with a number of emblematic figures (Laurencin, Gleizes, Apollinaire, Steiglitz, Andre Breton, Tzara …). An eclectic creative, he also saw as many artistic experiences as there are “isms” in the art of the turn of the century. Regardless of freeing himself from all classification, he is considered one of the most radical founders of Modernity. Today, his works animate the contemporary guard (Damien Hirst) and are very sought after, in particular those with the Dada spirit (Udnie, Atrata, the Eye…) and in his period of the “Monsters” (Le Baiser, Les Amoureux…).

In 1905, his paintings were exported abroad following the success of his exhibition at Haussmann gallery. He participated in the Armory Show New York in 1913 with his friend Marcel Duchamp, but his work was mocked by critics, as was often the case in his career. Between Paris, the French Riviera, Barcelona and New York, this great socialite, active in the “Puteaux group” and founder of the review 391, rubbed shoulders with a number of emblematic figures (Laurencin, Gleizes, Apollinaire, Steiglitz, Andre Breton, Tzara …). An eclectic creative, he also saw as many artistic experiences as there are “isms” in the art of the turn of the century. Regardless of freeing himself from all classification, he is considered one of the most radical founders of Modernity. Today, his works animate the contemporary guard (Damien Hirst) and are very sought after, in particular those with the Dada spirit (Udnie, Atrata, the Eye…) and in his period of the “Monsters” (Le Baiser, Les Amoureux…).

Auction results

All auction results	2,790
Drawing-Watercolor	1,457
Painting	1,159
Print-Multiple	172
Tapestry	2

19 results for other identifications

Artworks up for public auction

All artworks	3
Painting	2
Print-Multiple	1

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Enigmatic, paradoxical, unclassifiable, the work of Picabia was a key element in the strong wind of change that emerged in the early 20th century, especially through the Dada movement. A mainstay of the Western art market, Picabia’s work has never been subject to any major price hikes, but his prices have been progressing at a […]

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