auction-savvy.com

Understanding a few key French phrases is paramount to bidding on and purchasing paintings from France. Here are a few terms that auction houses may provide to guide a potential bidder. Please feel free to share your tips as well.

“Entourage de” translates to “in the circle of”. For example if lot description of a painting refers to “entourage de Camille Corot”. In their opinion a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil.

“DLG” is an initialism for “dans le gout”. This is similar to “entourage de” meaning “in the manner or style of” an artist.

“Huile sur toile” or “HST” is “oil on canvas”.

“Huile sur papier contrecollé sur panneau” is “oil on paper attached to a panel”.

“Aquarelle” is a watercolor or gouache.

“Nettoyer” is dirty. I often inquire if there is surface grime on the painting which would require that the painting be cleaned after purchase.

“Craquelure” is is the fine pattern of dense cracking formed on the surface of materials and can be induced by drying, aging, intentional patterning, or a combination of all three.

“Salissures & taches d’humidité” refers to “dirt and moisture stains” which may be present on a lithograph, watercolor or print.

“Déchirure” is a tear which may be present on a canvas, lithograph, watercolor or print.

Each item at auction is referred to as a lot. The description of each lot is of paramount concern for the online bidder. Some auction houses describe the condition of each lot, but most do not.  In many cases, if there is no damage, the auction house does not add the condition of the lot, choosing only to communicate any damage. Other auction houses fail to disclose damages. This is a definite advantage to attending an auction and personally inspecting each lot and a serious disadvantage to the online bidder. In the event you are the successful bidder and the lot has damages not disclosed in the description, it is your misfortune. The terms and condition of each auction house clearly state that it is the responsibility of the bidder to assess the lot condition prior to bidding. Returns are rarely accepted.

TIP: Contact the auction house prior to bidding and request a condition report. The condition report typically states that the item is in good condition and notes and damage. Additional photos, often high-resolution, are frequently provided so that you can inspect the lot more carefully.