Lê Văn Dệ (1906–1966): Pioneer of Modern Vietnamese Art

Promotion I (1925–1930), Valedictorian (ex aequo) — École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine

Lê Văn Dệ, born in 1906 in the Bến Tre province of southern Vietnam, was one of the most accomplished artists of his generation and a foundational figure in 20th-century Vietnamese art.

A graduate and co-valedictorian of the first class of the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine in Hanoi in 1930, he specialized in silk and oil painting, mastering both traditional and Western techniques. His prodigious talent was recognized early by his teachers and peers, earning him a scholarship to Paris in 1931, during the Exposition Coloniale Internationale. There, he joined the studio of Jean-Pierre Laurens, a renowned academic painter, and refined his technique in European classicism.

Following his stay in Paris, Lê Văn Dệ traveled to Rome, where he became the first Vietnamese artist ever received by the Pope. In 1936, the Vatican entrusted him with the creation and artistic direction of the Asian Catholic Art Pavilion for the Vatican Exhibition—a milestone that marked his recognition on the international stage.

During this time, he deepened his knowledge of Western masters and Christian iconography. He later converted to Catholicism, taking the Latin name Calso-Leon Francesco.

Upon returning to Vietnam, Lê Văn Dệ played a major role in the country’s artistic life. At the request of Emperor Bảo Đại, he redesigned the flag of the Republic of Vietnam and later founded the National School of Fine Arts in Saigon, modeled on the École des Beaux-Arts de Hanoi (which had closed in 1947).

Recognizing a Work by Lê Văn Dệ

Lê Văn Dệ’s paintings are celebrated for their refined elegance and spiritual resonance. His maternities, influenced by Christian iconography, stand among the most graceful and emotional works in modern Vietnamese art.

• Mastery of silk painting, a traditional Vietnamese technique that he elevated to fine art through subtle control of transparency and light.

• Religious and symbolic compositions, blending Western spirituality with Vietnamese sensitivity.

• Portraits and genre scenes marked by serenity, meticulous drawing, and delicate chromatic harmony.

• Balanced compositions, often centered on feminine grace and maternal tenderness.

His art reflects a harmonious synthesis between classical rigor and emotional depth, merging Eastern refinement with Western technique.

Lê Văn Dệ on the Art Market: Artist’s Value and Auction Estimates

Lê Văn Dệ’s works have seen growing demand in recent years, with auction prices depending on the medium, period, and provenance. His oil paintings and lacquer panels are especially prized, alongside his masterful works on silk.

The portraits and Vietnamese life scenes painted between the 1930s and 1950s are the most sought after.

Highlights of Works Sold at Aguttes

• Forêt tropicale du Vietnam, 1937 — three-panel folding screen, mixed media (oil, gold and silver highlights, and wood collage on panel), signed, located “Rome,” and dated on the right side, 252.5 × 195.5 cm (each panel 252.5 × 64.5 cm) — sold for €399,000

• Femme au chemisier transparent, January 3, 1932 — oil on paper mounted on canvas, signed, dated, located “Paris,” and stamped upper right, 61 × 46 cm — sold for €203,000

These results confirm Lê Văn Dệ’s standing as one of the key figures in early modern Vietnamese art, whose rare works continue to achieve record results on the market.

Selling a Work by Lê Văn Dệ

Charlotte Aguttes-Reynier, author of Le renouveau de l’art moderne en Indochine and an expert at Aguttes for over 15 years, offers her deep expertise to both French and European sellers and predominantly Vietnamese buyers.

She appraises mostly unpublished paintings and sculptures, both modern and contemporary, and conducts on-site valuations across France and Europe, in collaboration with Aguttes’ regional offices.

You can submit your free and confidential valuation request including photographs, a detailed description, and any relevant documentationvia the online form or directly by email to our expert.

The department organizes four annual auctions dedicated to artists of the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine.

The Aguttes Asian Painters Department

As a historic leader in the market for Asian artists, Aguttes provides private and professional sellers with a trusted partnership, ensuring world-record results and compliance with French auction standards.

The Asian Painters Department regularly presents auctions featuring the great modern Vietnamese masters:
Lê Phổ, Nguyễn Phan Chánh, Mai Trung Thứ, Vũ Cao Đàm, Trần Văn Thọ, Phạm Hầu, and many others.

Contact our expert today to receive a free valuation of your work by Lê Văn Dệ and benefit from personalized guidance throughout the entire auction process.