GALERIE NICOLAS LENTÉ

The Gallery in the Heart of Paris

Located at 2, rue des Saints-Pères, in the heart of the historic art and antiques district of Paris’s Left Bank, Galerie Nicolas Lenté enjoys a privileged position just a short walk from the Louvre Museum, in one of the city’s most emblematic neighbourhoods for the arts.

Drawing on many years of experience in the Parisian art market, the gallery specialises in Old Master paintings from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Our expertise in art history, combined with an in-depth knowledge of the market, informs every stage of our work, from research and discovery to the selection and acquisition of the paintings we offer.

Alongside paintings, we also present a carefully chosen selection of period furniture and works of art, selected for their quality, character and artistic interest.

A Selection Driven by Quality

Our selection focuses primarily on 17th- and 18th-century French portraits, together with 16th- and 17th-century Flemish paintings.

We seek works that represent genuine opportunities within the Old Master market, selected according to demanding criteria including artistic quality, condition, the importance of the artist, and the ability of a painting to represent its school, period or artistic movement.

Beyond historical and market value, we look for paintings that immediately engage the eye, create an emotional response and inspire the desire to live with art.

For us, collecting is not simply about acquiring an important work: it is also about the pleasure of discovering a painting and making it part of everyday life.

Research and Expertise

Every painting undergoes thorough documentary research aimed at establishing its history, provenance and attribution. Where appropriate, we work with independent art historians and recognised specialists to further research and substantiate attributions.

This scholarly approach accompanies each work throughout its time at the gallery, allowing us to offer collectors paintings whose artistic quality, history and attribution have been carefully examined and documented.

Over the years, our research and acquisitions have also led to the discovery and rediscovery of previously unpublished works, contributing to the advancement of art-historical knowledge and enriching the collections of several French and European museums.

Conservation and Presentation

We primarily seek paintings in very good condition, favouring works that have been well preserved over those that have undergone extensive deterioration or alteration over time.

Every painting is systematically examined by a specialist Old Master conservation workshop, even when only light cleaning and revarnishing are required. This process allows us to assess the condition of each work, identify any necessary treatment and, where appropriate, have the required conservation work carried out.

Our aim is to offer paintings that are carefully conserved, ready to hang and enjoy, and properly preserved for future generations.

We also attach great importance to the way each painting is presented. Whenever possible, we offer works in their original frames. When the original frame has not survived, we carefully source the most appropriate period frame, selected specifically to complement the painting, taking into account its date, style, proportions and character.

A Lasting Relationship with Collectors

Our experience of the market, demanding approach to selection, and commitment to research and conservation enable us to advise and accompany private collectors, institutions, interior designers, art professionals and art lovers in their acquisitions.

Above all, we seek to build lasting relationships based on trust and a shared appreciation of the works we present. We want each visitor to have the opportunity to discover a painting, take the time to look at it, understand its history and appreciate its qualities — and, when that special connection occurs, perhaps make it part of their own collection and personal story.

We warmly invite you to meet the paintings in person at our Paris gallery, take your time to discover them and speak with us about the works that capture your attention.

ACQUISITION & APPRAISAL

Nicolas Lenté, an expert with the CEA and CEDEA, offers his appraisal and valuation services. Feel free to submit your photos by email to receive a free, quick, and confidential initial appraisal of your artwork.
We are interested in acquiring old master paintings, particularly from 16th & 17th century Flemish and Dutch schools ,17th & 18th century French school portraits, 14th to 17th century sculpture, as well as Louis XIV period furniture: marquetry cabinets and Mazarin desks. If the purchase is agreed upon, payment is immediate.

MEMBER OF CEA Compagnie d'Expertise en Antiquités et Objets d'Art