ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Hans Baldung Grien Drawing Declared National Treasure, Halting Paris Auction

cultural-heritage · 2026-03-24

A rare portrait drawing by Hans Baldung Grien has been designated as a national treasure by French authorities, preventing its scheduled auction at Drouot in Paris. The work was estimated to sell for 1.5 to 3 million euros during the opening of Paris Drawing Week. The last-minute classification has canceled the sale, disappointing art market participants who criticized the timing of the announcement.

Key facts

  • A portrait drawing by Hans Baldung Grien was declared a national treasure
  • The artwork was scheduled for auction at Drouot in Paris
  • The sale was canceled due to the national treasure classification
  • The drawing was estimated to sell for 1.5 to 3 million euros
  • The announcement occurred just before the Paris Drawing Week auction

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Drouot

Locations

  • Paris

Sources