The design of the 1950s and 1960s, rehabilitated by the great interior decorators, is increasingly trendy, in particular the ceramics of Vallauris which, under the impetus of Picasso, enjoyed phenomenal success at the time. In his wake, many artists settled in this commune in the south of France. Among them, some are well known to enthusiasts, such as Georges Jouve, Roger Capron, Jean Lurçat, Pol Chambost or Jacques and Dani Ruelland.
Logically, their rating is quite high, with beautiful pieces easily reaching 5,000 euros and even exceeding 10,000 euros. Other creators are more affordable, without taking anything away from the quality of their works. This is the case of Gilbert Portanier (1926-2023). An architect by training, he met Picasso in Vallauris in 1948 and discovered the world of ceramics.
From 1,000 euros
His delicately colored works, with their highly varied shapes and patterns, are very representative of this period. On October 5, the Pichon & Noudel-Deniau auction house in Cannes is offering 193 unpublished pieces made between 1950 and 1984 by the artist, coming directly from his studio, at auction. The most beautiful lots, those made in the 1950s and 1960s, are estimated at between €1,000 and €4,000.
Given Portanier’s importance to design specialists such as Pierre Staudenmeyer, the prices are reasonable. His rating should quickly rise. Failing to buy in Cannes or online during this auction, it will be relevant to follow future sales of his ceramics to acquire them at a good price.