VALSUANI
What Is a Valsuani Bronze Worth?
A genuine Valsuani bronze can be worth anywhere from roughly €2,000 to well over $1 million, depending on the sculptor, whether the cast was made during Claude Valsuani’s lifetime (1908–1923) or posthumously, the edition number, and documented provenance. The “C. VALSUANI” mark alone is not a valuation — always verify authenticity first.
Recent Valsuani Bronze Auction Results
Prices for Valsuani-cast bronzes vary enormously by artist and cast date. The examples below, drawn from Invaluable and LiveAuctioneers auction-price archives, illustrate the range from a modest posthumous edition to a museum-calibre lifetime attribution:
| Work | Sculptor | Result | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ours blanc (Polar Bear), Valsuani-cast edition | François Pompon | €16,843 | Auction archive record | Invaluable / LiveAuctioneers |
| Vénus de Milo aux tiroirs (Venus with Drawers), Valsuani foundry cast | Salvador Dalí | €2,300 | Auction archive record | Invaluable / LiveAuctioneers |
| Petite danseuse de quatorze ans (Little Dancer), Valsuani-marked cast | Edgar Degas | ≈$7,000,000 | 2000 | Invaluable / LiveAuctioneers |
Note on the Degas record: Degas died in 1917, so every Valsuani-marked cast of his work is posthumous by definition (see our Valsuani Bronze Authentication guide). High prices for posthumous Degas casts reflect the sculptor’s stature, not a general rule — a lesser-known posthumous cast will not command comparable figures. Exact lot numbers and sale dates for individual records above are held in the Invaluable and LiveAuctioneers subscription archives; figures are cited here as representative range indicators rather than fixed appraisals.
What Determines the Value of a Valsuani Bronze
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Artist / sculptor | Casts of works by Degas, Renoir, Matisse, Pompon, Brancusi, and Maillol command far higher prices than editions of minor or unattributed sculptors. |
| Lifetime vs. posthumous cast | Casts produced 1908–1923, under Claude Valsuani’s direct supervision, typically carry a premium over later posthumous editions cast under his son Marcel (1923–1990) or the foundry’s later ownership. |
| Edition number | A low number in a small, well-documented edition is generally valued above a late-run or unnumbered cast of the same model. |
| Mark type | “C. VALSUANI,” “CIRE PERDUE C. VALSUANI,” and “VALSUANI CIRE PERDUE” are genuine variants. A mark or listing citing “M. VALSUANI” or “Marcello Valsuani” signals reliance on a discredited attribution and should prompt further scrutiny of the whole listing. |
| Condition and patina | Original, undisturbed patina and the absence of repairs or re-patination support value; heavily cleaned or re-patinated surfaces are typically discounted. |
| Provenance | A documented chain of ownership — back to the artist’s studio, an early exhibition, or a recognised collection — adds value and reduces authentication risk. |
A Mark Is Not a Valuation — Verify Authenticity First
Before any value estimate is meaningful, the bronze needs to be authenticated. Our Valsuani Bronze Authentication guide sets out the documented foundry marks, the primary-source evidence establishing Claude Valsuani (not the fictional “Marcello Valsuani”) as founder, and the authentication protocol researchers and appraisers use. A correct mark supports authenticity; it does not, by itself, establish a price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Valsuani bronze real?
Start with the mark: authentic examples read “C. VALSUANI,” never “M. VALSUANI” or “Marcello Valsuani” — a name that appears in zero official documents. From there, check the casting style, patina, and any provenance against the documented foundry history. Our Valsuani Bronze Authentication guide walks through the full protocol.
Does the C. Valsuani mark add value?
A verified “C. VALSUANI” mark confirms the piece passed through the genuine foundry, which supports authenticity and is generally viewed favourably by the market. It does not by itself fix a price: value still depends on the sculptor, whether the cast is lifetime or posthumous, the edition number, condition, and provenance.
How can I get it appraised?
Art Revisionist is a research resource, not an appraisal service — we do not issue valuations. For an insurance, sale, or estate appraisal, consult a certified personal-property appraiser or a major auction house with expertise in French bronzes. Bring clear photos of the mark and any edition numbers, measurements, and whatever provenance documentation you have.
Last updated: 7 September 2026