What is the estimated value of this 18th-century French engraving?

The estimated market value for this 18th-century copperplate engraving of Jean-Baptiste Coignard II is between $150 and $250. This valuation is based on recent dealer listings and auction records for similar historical portrait engravings, adjusted for the item's specific condition issues. A specialist print auction or curated online platform is recommended to achieve this price range.

What era is this Jean-Baptiste Coignard II engraving from?

This engraving dates to the Early 18th Century, specifically circa 1732. It was executed by French engraver Gilles Edme Petit based on a 1724 portrait by Antoine Pesne. This period reflects the burgeoning print culture in Paris, where such engravings served to disseminate portraits of prominent figures like Coignard II, Printer to the King.

What condition is this 18th-century engraving in, and how does it affect its value?

The engraving is in good condition for its age, but has notable defects. These include visible light brown toning, subtle paper rippling, and a prominent water stain in the lower right quadrant. The period-style frame is also heavily worn. These condition issues collectively reduce the estimated value by 30-40% compared to a pristine example.

Where is the best place to sell this Gilles Edme Petit engraving?

For this engraving, the best selling venues are regional specialist print auctions like Doyle Auctions in New York or curated online platforms such as Catawiki's 'Art for All' category. These platforms target collectors who appreciate historical prints, maximizing the potential for achieving the estimated $150-$250 value. Selling within the US is recommended due to shipping costs.

Is this 18th-century Jean-Baptiste Coignard II engraving authentic?

While the print visually appears to be a genuine 18th-century impression, its authenticity is currently uncertain. High-quality modern reproductions of this specific image are known to exist. Conclusive authentication requires a physical examination of the paper (for laid/chain lines and watermarks) and the platemark, which was not possible from photographs alone. This verification would significantly impact its value.

French School (18th Century) Engraving of Jean-Baptiste Coignard II by Gilles Edme Petit, after Antoine Pesne, circa 1732

Estimated value: $150 - $250. French School (18th Century) Engraving of Jean-Baptiste Coignard II by Gilles Edme Petit, after Antoine Pesne, circa 1732 (Early 18th Century) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Fine Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This engraving is a fascinating window into the world of 18th-century Paris, a time when one's public image was a carefully constructed affair. The subject, Jean-Baptiste Coignard II, was not merely a successful businessman but a powerful figure in the intellectual life of France, holding the prestigious title of official printer to both the King and the Académie Française. To commemorate his status, he commissioned a portrait from Antoine Pesne, a celebrated court painter, a testament to his influence and taste. The decision to then have this portrait translated into an engraving by a master like Gilles Edme Petit speaks to the era's burgeoning print culture. Engravings were the high-fidelity media of their day, allowing a wider circle of colleagues, clients, and connoisseurs to possess a 'certified copy' of the original painting. Owning and displaying such a print was a way to signal one's connection to the centers of power and culture. This particular impression, with its crisp detail, captures the dignity and gravitas Coignard sought to project, connecting its owner directly to the artistic and intellectual currents of the French Enlightenment.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on analysis of recent dealer listings and auction records for this specific print and for other 18th-century French portrait engravings of similar quality and historical importance. The primary anchor is a dealer asking price of approximately $238 for another example of this print, and a verified sale from a retail gallery at a similar level. The estimated value range for the subject item has been adjusted downwards to account for its visible condition issues, specifically the water staining and toning of the paper. At auction, a reasonable reserve would be $120. After a typical seller's commission of 10-15%, the net proceeds would likely be between $125 and $215.

Comparable sales

The item is a 47.5 x 33.5 cm (sheet) engraving, attached to a support, depicting a portrait of Jean-Baptiste Coignard (1693-1768), a bookseller and printer to the King. It has foxing and stains at the corners, and some dampstaining. This version of Coignard's portrait is considered rarer than the one engraved by Jean Daullé. — sold for US$ 238.47 (Librairie Historique F. Teissèdre), 1732
An Antique Print. Dimensions: Width 495, Height 645. — sold for R4,800 (The Crown Collection), 2026-09-23
The item is titled "Johann Christoph Schacher", German Engraving, ca.1700. It is a copper engraving depicting a male portrait, specifically Johann Christoph Schacher in a velvet robe holding a book, with an arched window frame. It is an original, unframed print from the Baroque/Rococo period (1600-1770), handmade in Germany. — sold for $125.00 (eBay), 1700

Expert notes

This is a well-identified and historically significant 18th-century print. However, its market value is highly dependent on confirming it is a genuine period impression and not a later reproduction. Before offering it for sale, it is strongly recommended that the print be removed from its frame by a professional to allow for an examination of the paper (for laid/chain lines and a possible watermark) and the platemark. This single verification step will provide the certainty needed to achieve the highest possible price at auction.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your print, lithograph or engraving worth?.