Arturo Michelena Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Arturo Michelena Art Value Price Guide

Jan. 22, 2025
Arturo Michelena, Venezuelan (1863-1898)
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Arturo Michelena, Venezuelan (1863-1898) Ink on Paper Sketch/Study of a Large Group of Men on Horseback. Framed and floated between front and back sheets of glass. Bottom right-hand corner with an authentication note from the artists widow dated 1922. Sheet size measures: 12" H, 8-1/2" W, frame measures: 25-1/2" H, 21-1/2" W. Condition: Good condition. Estimate: $2000.00 - $3000.00 Domestic Shipping: Third party.
Kodner Galleries
Oct. 05, 2023
ARTURO MICHELENA (1863-1898) Portrait of Jean Paul Laurens oil on canvas 18
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
ARTURO MICHELENA (1863-1898) Portrait of Jean Paul Laurens oil on canvas 18 ¼ x 21 ¾ in. (46.4 x 55.3 cm.)
Christie's
Oct. 19, 2022
ARTURO MICHELENA (Venezuela, 1863 – 1898). "Angels with flowers". Oil on canvas. Relined. Presents restorations. Signed in the lower right corner.
Est: €9,000 - €10,000
ARTURO MICHELENA (Venezuela, 1863 - 1898). "Angels with flowers". Oil on canvas. Re-coloured. With restorations. Signed in the lower right corner. Measurements: 99 x 75,5 cm. In this oil painting on canvas the painter presents us with a theme of a kind and tender character, since the scene is played by some children, portrayed as nymphs who come in procession to deliver flowers. This image of candour is reinforced by the presence of the first figure, who raises his arms as if trying to reach out to the viewer. The natural scenery develops in depth thanks to the presence of the bodies that create a kind of zigzag with their disposition, which is enveloped in a vaporous sky that seems to be the base of these children. A renowned 19th-century Venezuelan painter, considered one of the greatest of the century, Arturo Michelena showed exceptional artistic talent as a child, and in fact at the age of only fourteen he had already received his first commission, the illustration of a book on Venezuelan customs. Born in the northern town of Valencia, he was the son and grandson of painters (Juan Antonio Michelena and Pedro Castillo), and received his first artistic lessons from his aunt, Edelmira Michelena. He later studied at the Lisandro Ramírez and Alejo Zuloaga schools. He began to paint in his childhood, under the tutelage of his father, and in his youth he produced ambitious works such as "Cupido dormido", "Brayan Triana", "En tus brazos" and "Judit y Holofernes". Francisco de Sales, author of the book "Costumbres Venezolanas" which the precocious artist illustrated, took him under his protection and introduced him to the circle of friends of Antonio Guzmán Blanco, in order to obtain a scholarship for him. Shortly afterwards he continued his training with a French lady, Constance de Sauvage, a pupil of the French painter Eugène Deveria. From her he learned how to distribute colours better, to make the most of light and to use new technical resources. Between 1879 and 1882 the young painter, in partnership with his father, opened an art academy in his native Valencia, where they worked as commissioned portraitists. During these formative years Michelena produced all kinds of works, from murals to copies of old paintings, as well as an abundant output of drawings. Finally, the young man successfully took part in the Salon of the Centenary of the birth of Simón Bolívar, held in Caracas. There he presented his first important canvas, "La entrega de la bandera al batallón sin nombre" (1883), which won him second prize in the competition. He then travelled to Paris thanks to a scholarship, in the company of Martín Tovar. There he studied at the Académie Julian and in the studio of Jean-Paul Laurens. Success soon came to him, and he became the first painter to achieve it outside Venezuela, together with Cristóbal Rojas and his travelling companion, Tovar. His first great success came at the Salon des Artistes Français in Paris in 1887. Encouraged by his teacher, Laurens, Michelena presented a canvas entitled "L'enfant malade" which won him the Gold Medal, the highest honour the Association of French Artists had ever given to a foreign artist. The painting became famous and was acquired shortly afterwards by an important New York collector. A second stage of his career developed between 1885 and 1889. He painted "An Election Visit" (1886), "Charity" (1887), "The Young Mother" (1889) and "Charlotte Corday" (1889). The latter painting was exhibited at the Paris Salon and at the Universal Exhibition of 1889 in Paris, where it was awarded the Gold Medal. That same year he returned to Venezuela and was received with great jubilation. He spends a period in Caracas surrounded by social success, marries and finally returns to Paris, where the third period of his career begins.
Setdart Auction House
Dec. 28, 2021
Arturo Michelena. Cherubins offering
Est: -
Óleo sobre lienzo. Firmado en el ángulo inferior derecho. Tras una primera etapa de formación en su Venezuela natal consigue la Medalla de plata en la Gran Exposición del Centenario del natalicio de El Libertador Simón Bolívar en 1883. El gobierno del presidente Joaquín Sinforiano de Jesús Crespo Torres le otorga en 1885 una pensión para realizar estudios en Europa. Viajó a París en compañía de Martín Tovar y Tovar donde recibe clases de Jean-Paul Laurens. Animado por su maestro obtiene el mayor reconocimiento otorgado a un artista extranjero del Salón des Artistes Français en 1887, medalla de oro de segunda clase, con su obra "L'Enfant Malade". Continúa pintando en París entre 1885 y 1889 hasta obtener una medalla de oro en la Exposición Universal de 1889. Regresa a Venezuela para contraer matrimonio. Realiza las ilustraciones para la novela "Hernani" de Víctor Hugo. Tras otro periodo en París regresa a Venezuela en 1892 por consejo de sus médicos aquejado de tuberculosis. En Caracas obtiene gran éxito siendo el retratista de moda y pintor oficial del Presidente Crespo. Comienza la decoración del Palacio de Miraflores. Fallece en 1898 dejando numerosas obras inconclusas.
Duran Arte y Subastas
Oct. 27, 2021
Arturo Michelena. Cherubins offering
Est: -
Óleo sobre lienzo. Firmado en el ángulo inferior derecho. Tras una primera etapa de formación en su Venezuela natal consigue la Medalla de plata en la Gran Exposición del Centenario del natalicio de El Libertador Simón Bolívar en 1883. El gobierno del presidente Joaquín Sinforiano de Jesús Crespo Torres le otorga en 1885 una pensión para realizar estudios en Europa. Viajó a París en compañía de Martín Tovar y Tovar donde recibe clases de Jean-Paul Laurens. Animado por su maestro obtiene el mayor reconocimiento otorgado a un artista extranjero del Salón des Artistes Français en 1887, medalla de oro de segunda clase, con su obra "L'Enfant Malade". Continúa pintando en París entre 1885 y 1889 hasta obtener una medalla de oro en la Exposición Universal de 1889. Regresa a Venezuela para contraer matrimonio. Realiza las ilustraciones para la novela "Hernani" de Víctor Hugo. Tras otro periodo en París regresa a Venezuela en 1892 por consejo de sus médicos aquejado de tuberculosis. En Caracas obtiene gran éxito siendo el retratista de moda y pintor oficial del Presidente Crespo. Comienza la decoración del Palacio de Miraflores. Fallece en 1898 dejando numerosas obras inconclusas.
Duran Arte y Subastas
Sep. 30, 2021
ARTURO MICHELENA (1863 / 1898) "Young man praying"
Est: €22,500 - €30,000
Signed and dated in lower right-hand corner . Oil on canvas.71,5 x 59 cm
Ansorena
Apr. 08, 2021
ARTURO MICHELENA (1863 / 1898) "Young man praying"
Est: €28,500 - €38,000
Signed in the lower left corner
Ansorena
Oct. 28, 2020
Arturo Michelena 1863-1898 RARE Ink Paper Drawing
Est: $100 - $1,000
Arturo Michelena (Venezuelan, 1863-1898). Rare surviving original ink on paper drawing. Depicts a man wearing a military uniform. Signed and authenticated by the artist's widow, Lastenia Tello Mendoza de Michelena (1869-1958). Good overall condition with wear to frame. Measures 11 1/2 in. x 6 in. (sight), 20 in. x 14 in. (framed). Hill Auction Gallery in house USA continental shipping $85 plus insurance. Gallery will refer a local shipper for international buyers. Please contact sfloridadelivery@gmail.com for local South Florida home delivery quote. Purchaser pick up available upon request.
Hill Auction Gallery
Oct. 28, 2020
Arturo Michelena 1863-1898 RARE Ink Paper Drawing
Est: $100 - $1,000
Arturo Michelena (Venezuelan, 1863-1898). Rare surviving original ink on paper drawing. Depicts a soldier and another man bound with rope. Signed and authenticated by the artist's widow, Lastenia Tello Mendoza de Michelena (1869-1958). Good overall condition with wear to frame. Measures 11 in. x 9 1/4 in. (sight), 16 1/2 in. x 14 3/4 in. (framed). Hill Auction Gallery in house USA continental shipping $85 plus insurance. Gallery will refer a local shipper for international buyers. Please contact sfloridadelivery@gmail.com for local South Florida home delivery quote. Purchaser pick up available upon request.
Hill Auction Gallery
Oct. 28, 2020
Arturo Michelena 1863-1898 RARE Ink Paper Drawing
Est: $100 - $1,000
Arturo Michelena (Venezuelan, 1863-1898). Rare surviving original ink on paper drawing. Depicts a military officer directing other armed men. Signed and authenticated by the artist's widow, Lastenia Tello Mendoza de Michelena (1869-1958). Good overall condition with wear to frame. Measures 11 1/2 in. x 11 in. (sight), 16 in. x 15 1/2 in. (framed). Hill Auction Gallery in house USA continental shipping $85 plus insurance. Gallery will refer a local shipper for international buyers. Please contact sfloridadelivery@gmail.com for local South Florida home delivery quote. Purchaser pick up available upon request.
Hill Auction Gallery
Oct. 28, 2020
Arturo Michelena 1863-1898 RARE Ink Paper Drawing
Est: $100 - $1,000
Arturo Michelena (Venezuelan, 1863-1898). Rare surviving original ink on paper drawing. Depicts men with guns and text to lower left. Signed and authenticated by the artist's widow, Lastenia Tello Mendoza de Michelena (1869-1958). Good overall condition with wear to frame. Measures 8 in. x 7 1/2 in. (sight), 13 in. x 13 in. (framed). Hill Auction Gallery in house USA continental shipping $85 plus insurance. Gallery will refer a local shipper for international buyers. Please contact sfloridadelivery@gmail.com for local South Florida home delivery quote. Purchaser pick up available upon request.
Hill Auction Gallery
Apr. 16, 2020
ARTURO MICHELENA: "MOTHER & CHILD"
Est: $1,500 - $2,000
oil on canvas signed lower left 21 1/2 x 18 inches
Abell Auction
Mar. 01, 2020
ARTURO MICHELENA: "MOTHER & CHILD"
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
oil on canvas signed lower left 21 1/2 x 18 inches
Abell Auction
Dec. 12, 2019
ARTURO MICHELENA "A Portrait of a Child”. Oil on canvas, 19TH CENTURY EUROP
Est: -
ARTURO MICHELENA "A Portrait of a Child”. Oil on canvas, 19TH CENTURY EUROPEAN ART ARTURO MICHELENA 1863 / 1898 "Retrato bebé" Óleo sobre lienzo 32 x 30 cm Firmado y localizado "París" en el ángulo inferior izquierdo
Ansorena
Nov. 22, 2019
Arturo Michelena. Untitled. Oil on wood. Unsigned
Est: -
Arturo Michelena Untitled Oil on wood Unsigned
Casa de Subastas Odalys
Oct. 26, 2019
Attributed to Arturo Michelena (1863-1898): Mother and Child
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Oil on canvas, signed 'A. Michelena' and inscribed 'Paris' lower left, lined.21 1/2 x 17 3/4 in., 30 3/4 x 27 1/4 in. (frame).p>
STAIR
Dec. 08, 2018
Arturo Michelena (Venezuelan, 1863-1898), "Virgin and Child with Lilies", oil on tin, 10-3/4" x 8"
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Arturo Michelena (Venezuelan, 1863-1898) "Virgin and Child with Lilies" oil on tin signed lower left. Unframed. 10-3/4" x 8"
New Orleans Auction Galleries
Nov. 21, 2017
ATTRIBUTED TO ARTURO MICHELENA (1863-1898) | L'excommunication de Robert le Pieux (a replica of the painting by Jean Paul Laurens)
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
oil on canvas
Sotheby's
Nov. 03, 2015
ARTURO MICHELENA | L'excommunication de Robert le Pieux (a replica of the painting by Jean Paul Laurens)
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
oil on canvas
Sotheby's
Oct. 18, 2014
ARTURO MICHELENA VENEZUELAN 1863-1898
Est: $10,000 - $20,000
Portrait of a Military Gentleman, oil on canvas , 28 3/4 x 23 1/2 in (73 x 59.7 cm) , signed lower middle Senora ? With a date
Trinity International Auctions & Appraisals, LLC
May. 28, 2013
ARTURO MICHELENA(1863-1898)
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
THE LION AND THE MOOR inscribed Doy fe que este cuadro es pintado por mi finado marido Arturo Michelena su viuda Lastenia de Michelena Caracas 1920 lower right oil on canvas 25 1/8 by 18 3/4 in. 64 by 47.6 cm Painted in 1891.
Sotheby's
Oct. 24, 2012
Arturo Michelena, "Virgin and Child with Lilies"
Est: $6,000 - $9,000
Arturo Michelena, "Virgin and Child with Lilies" oil on tin panel. Signed, dated and inscribed "Arturo Michele Caracas - 1895". Unframed. Panel: 10.75"H x 8"W. Provenance: Provenance: A prominent Venezuelan family, thence, by descent to a private New Orleans collector. Arturo Michelena (Venezuelan, 1863-1898) studied in Paris at the Academie Julian and was one of the first Venezuelan artists to achieve success overseas.
Dallas Auction Gallery
Oct. 24, 2012
Arturo Michelena, "Still Life of Gladioli" gouache
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Arturo Michelena, "Still Life of Gladioli" gouache and watercolor on paper, inscribed by the artist's widow lower left "Doy fe que este acuarela es pintado por mi finado marido Arturo Michelena, su viuda Lastenia F. de Michelena". Sheet: 17"H x 11"W; Frame: 29"H x 22"W. Provenance: A prominent Venezuelan family, thence, by descent to a private New Orleans collector. Arturo Michelena (Venezuelan, 1863-1898) studied in Paris at the Academie Julian and was one of the first Venezuelan artists to achieve success overseas.
Dallas Auction Gallery
Apr. 26, 2012
Boceta de la Cabeza de un Caballo del Cuadro, 1981
Est: $3,000 - $4,000
Arturo MICHELENA (1863-1898) Venezuelan school Boceta de la Cabeza de un Caballo del Cuadro, 1981 Indian ink on cardboard, annotated lower left and on the reverse 22 x 13 cm - 8 1/2 x 5 in.
Fine Art Auctions Miami
Nov. 16, 2011
ARTURO MICHELENA(1863-1898)
Est: $35,000 - $45,000
EN EL ESTUDIO DEL PINTOR signed lower right oil on canvas 21 7/8 by 12 3/4 in. 55.5 by 32.3 cm Painted circa 1880.
Sotheby's
May. 26, 2011
ARTURO MICHELENA (1863-1898)
Est: $50,000 - $70,000
ARTURO MICHELENA (1863-1898) BODEGÓN CON FLORES signed and dated Caracas 1896 lower right oil on canvas 20 3/8 by 32 1/8 in. 51.8 by 81.5 cm
Sotheby's
May. 25, 2011
ARTURO MICHELENA (1863-1898)
Est: $50,000 - $70,000
ARTURO MICHELENA (1863-1898) BODEGÓN CON FLORES signed and dated Caracas 1896 lower right oil on canvas 20 3/8 by 32 1/8 in. 51.8 by 81.5 cm
Sotheby's
Mar. 23, 2010
Arturo Michelena (Venezuelan, 1863-1898) 'The
Est: £800 - £1,200
Arturo Michelena (Venezuelan, 1863-1898) 'The Veronica' oil on canvas, signed and dated 1896 lower left 37 x 53 cm (14 1/2 x 21 in)
Holloway's
Nov. 20, 2007
Arturo Michelena (1863-1898) , Still Life with Pink Roses
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
oil on canvas signed and dated Caracas - 1894 lower left
Sotheby's
Nov. 20, 2007
Arturo Michelena (1863-1898) , Still Life with Yellow Roses
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
oil on canvas signed and dated Caracas - 1894 upper right
Sotheby's
Nov. 20, 2007
Arturo Michelena (1863-1898) , A pair of drawings: Calle los Teques and Mono
Est: $18,000 - $22,000
watercolor on paper; watercolor and graphite on thick paper both inscribed Doy fe que este cuadro es pintado por mi finado marido Arturo Michelena su viuda, Lastenia Tello Mendoza, Caracas 1922 lower right and lower left
Sotheby's
May. 31, 2007
Untitled
Est: $70,000 - $90,000
Arturo Michelena (Venezuelan 1863-1898) Untitled signed 'ARTURO MICHELENA' (lower left) oil on canvas 21 x 25½ in. (53.5 x 65 cm.)
Christie's
Nov. 21, 2006
Arturo Michelena (Venezuelan 1863-1898)
Est: $500,000 - $700,000
Firma del Acta de la Independencia signed 'Arturo Michelena' (lower right) oil on canvas 37 1/2 x 54 1/4 in. (95 x 137.8 cm.)
Christie's
Nov. 16, 2005
ARTURO MICHELENA (1863-1898)
Est: $90,000 - $120,000
LA PICA LA PICA measurements 30 5/8 by 37 7/8 in. alternate measurements (77.9 by 96.2 cm) oil on canvas Painted circa 1893. PROVENANCE Dr. German Vegas, Caracas Thence by descent
Sotheby's
May. 25, 2005
Arturo Michelena (Venezuelan 1863-1898)
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
Doña Aminta de los Ríos de Villalobos inscribed 'Doy fé que este cuadro es pintado por mi finado marido Arturo Michelena su viuda Lastenia Michelena' (lower right) oil on canvas 19 1/2 x 24 in. (50 x 61 cm.) Painted circa 1890.
Christie's
May. 24, 2005
ARTURO MICHELENA (1863-1898) PAIR OF PAINTINGS: STUDY FOR "LA VARA ROTA"; STUDY FOR THE BULL'S
Est: $25,000 - $35,000
ARTURO MICHELENA (1863-1898) PAIR OF PAINTINGS: STUDY FOR "LA VARA ROTA"; STUDY FOR THE BULL'S HEAD IN "LA VARA ROTA oil on canvas laid down on board; oil on canvas The first is inscribed by the artist's widow Doy fe que este cuadro es pintado por mi finado marido Arturo Michelena su viuda Lastenia T. de Michelena lower right Painted circa 1890. La Vara Rota was Michelena's entry to the 1892 Salon Officiel des Artistes Français in Paris. Other oil studies for this painting are in the collection of the Museo Arturo Michelena, Banco Industrial de Venezuela, and Galería de Arte Nacional in Caracas. PROVENANCE Acquired from the artist's estate Thence by descent to the present owner
Sotheby's
May. 24, 2005
PROPERTY FROM A EUROPEAN PRIVATE COLLECTION ARTURO MICHELENA (1863-1898) LA VISITE ELECTORALE
Est: $500,000 - $700,000
oil on canvas signed and dated Paris - 1886 lower right PROVENANCE Madame Dusac, Lausanne Maître Edouard Sillig, Lausanne Acquired from the above (1920s) Thence by descent EXHIBITED Paris, Palais des Champs-Elysées, Salon de la Société des Artistes Français, 1887, no. 1691, p. 140 LITERATURE AND REFERENCES Juan Calzadilla, Arturo Michelena, Caracas, Ernesto Armitano Editor, 1973, p. 28, illustration of a print after this work CATALOGUE NOTE Until last year, two major paintings from the small quantity produced by Arturo Michelena, Venezuela's most famous nineteenth century painter, were lost from sight and the subject of research and speculation for many art historians. Last heard of when they were exhibited in the 1887 Paris Salon, they became figures of legend, paintings mentioned as the Holy Grails of Venezuelan art history. Through hard work, persistence, the aid of past and present research by distinguished art historians and much luck, Sotheby's has had the honor of helping to bring to light once again these two paintings: La Visite Electorale, from 1886, Michelena's first large scale work, and L'Enfant Malade, from 1887. Just one year after having arrived in Paris on a scholarship, Michelena, at twenty-three, had earned a position with Le Monde Ilustré as an illustrator. He received an Honorable Mention for his participation in the Salon Officiel des Artistes of 1886. This award not only allowed him to stay in France, but also encouraged him to enter the Salon of 1887. He would have to paint two monumental works to get the attention of the jury. A newcomer in Paris, Arturo Michelena submitted two paintings to the prestigious 1887 Salon des Artistes Français, presided over by William Bouguereau that year. Une Visite Electorale, from 1886, was the first important work Michelena executed in Europe. L'Enfant Malade, of similar size and comparable composition, was awarded the second-class Gold Medal, the highest honor that could be bestowed on a foreign artist, and later sold in these rooms on November of 2004 for a record breaking $1.352 million dollars. Une Visite Electorale was the first to be painted. It is a genre scene depicting a country politician's visit to a peasant household. In a triangular composition, the confused farmer has sat down on the edge of the bed to cede his only chair to his well-dressed visitor, suggesting that he is merely waiting for the politician to finish his speech before accompanying him to the door. The little girl in the background is absorbed by her thoughts and is transfixed in the stream of sunlight from the window. She is perhaps the only character in the room who speaks clearly with her silence; it voices a total lack of interest in the politician's rhetoric, an attitude only hinted at by her parents who are constrained by politeness to listen. It is interesting to note that Michelena would seek to confront his French audience with such a realistic style. The two paintings are set in meager dwellings of poor country and city folk. There is, however, a clear intention to highlight the dignity with which these characters live. The artist painted with special attention the most insignificant objects on the wall, like the display of blue and white china on the shelves and the few pieces of furniture--allowing Michelena to demonstrate his virtuosity through the transparency of the glass and the brilliant, reflective qualities of the light. Clearly content with his submission of two great works, Michelena wrote to his mother on April 15, 1887, saying, "Since the 15th of last month I have finished my paintings for the Salon...and you should know that I am more than satisfied, not by my ambition, but by having reached what I've always desired in my art" (Calzadilla, p. 217). After the Salon, however, despite the accolades, Michelena's stipend from the Venezuelan government stopped and, in order for him to remain in Europe, both paintings were immediately sold. They both entered private collections, and were never publicly displayed again. Luckily, Une Visite Electorale was known to scholars through a small photograph taken at the time, but which scarcely revealed the overall composition of the work. It is extraordinarily important that this painting, the last large-scale work of Michelena, the whereabouts of which were unknown, has resurfaced today after being lost to the public for almost 120 years.
Sotheby's
Nov. 16, 2004
ARTURO MICHELENA (1863-1898)
Est: $150,000 - $200,000
oil on canvas signed, dated 1887 and inscribed Paris lower right This painting was awarded the Médaille d'Or in the Salon Officiel de Paris in 1887.
Sotheby's
Nov. 16, 2004
ARTURO MICHELENA (1863-1898)
Est: $20,000 - $25,000
oil on board signed, dated 1889 and inscribed Paris lower left
Sotheby's