Galerie Furstenberg: European reference for Pre-Columbian art in Paris
Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Galerie Furstenberg is a key institution on the Parisian art scene. Founded in 1971 by Pierre and Geneviève Argillet, it was initially a hotbed of Surrealism, before broadening its field of exploration to include pre-Columbian art. Today, under the direction of Jean-Christophe Argillet, it continues to promote these little-known cultural heritages.
A place steeped in history and surrealism
Galerie Furstenberg owes much of its renown to its privileged collaboration with Salvador Dalí. As early as 1959, Pierre Argillet developed an artistic relationship with the master of surrealism, resulting in the creation of over 150 original engravings. These include the famous “Mythology” series (1963-1967), in which Dalí revisits ancient tales in his whimsical, visionary style. These works, now exhibited and available at the gallery, have become major pieces of modern art.
Over the decades, the gallery has also put the spotlight on other figures of surrealism and abstract art, such as Léonor Fini, Hans Bellmer and Wassily Kandinsky. In addition to his publishing work, Pierre Argillet has built up a remarkable photographic collection, immortalizing artists such as Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque and Dalí in intimate, creative moments.
Jean-Christophe Argillet and his passion for pre-Columbian art
It was in 1997, during an exhibition in Geneva, that Jean-Christophe Argillet discovered and fell in love withPre-Columbian art. Seeing the as yet untapped potential in this field, he decided to make it a major focus of Galerie Furstenberg‘s development. In 2001, he organized his first exhibition dedicated to this age-old art form, marking a decisive turning point for the gallery.
Unlike many dealers, Jean-Christophe Argillet refuses to sell on consignment, preferring to select the pieces he offers for sale himself. He follows his intuition and his “coups de cœur”, which enables him to better defend each object with his customers. Today, the gallery has a turnover of 400 pieces, all authenticated and carefully selected.
The presentation of the works is deliberately unconventional: no strict separation by region or period, allowing visitors to wander freely and be surprised by the pieces on display. What’s more, prices are displayed, a choice that breaks the traditional codes of the art market and facilitates access to these historic treasures.
Pre-Columbian art: a fast-changing market
The Pre-Columbian works on show at the Galerie Furstenberg come from Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and other Latin American countries. They bear witness to the exceptional skills of pre-Hispanic civilizations, through sculptures, ceramics and ritual objects of great finesse.
In the past, the gallery mainly attracted specialized collectors, but the trend has changed: today, buyers are integrating these pieces into more varied collections, mixing contemporary art with antiques.
Despite its gradual growth, Pre-Columbian art remains less expensive than other market segments. While some African sculptures fetch 12 million euros, Pre-Columbian pieces, notably Mayan statues in stone and plaster, reach a ceiling of 2.9 million euros.
Pre-Columbian art, though fascinating, remains a complex and controversial market. Regulations vary from country to country, and some states, such as Mexico and Peru, periodically demand the return of objects considered part of their national heritage. France, which ratified the Unidroit Convention in 1997, follows specific rules regarding the introduction of these works into collections.
The market is also affected by the proliferation of fake artifacts. To guarantee theauthenticity of its pieces, the Galerie Furstenberg carries out scientific analysis and meticulous verification of the degree of restoration. As Jean-Christophe Argillet explains, it is better to have a well-preserved fragmentary piece than one that has been excessively restored, risking the loss of its original essence.
A must for art lovers
The Galerie Furstenberg is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm, and offers onlookers the chance to push open the doors and satisfy their curiosity.
Find out more here.
📍 8 rue Jacob, 75006 Paris
Read also: Philips Home Fest: the immersive event not to be missed
