Nguyễn Văn Thọ, known as Nam Sơn (1890–1973): Co-founder of Modern Vietnamese Painting

Nguyễn Văn Thọ, better known by his artist name Nam Sơn, was born in Hanoi in 1890. He studied at the Lycée du Protectorat, where he was first introduced to Western art. Gifted in drawing, he collaborated as an illustrator for various manuals, newspapers, and magazines.

His early artistic promise brought him into contact with Victor Tardieu, laureate of the Prix de l’Indochine (1920), who became both his mentor and collaborator. Under Tardieu’s guidance, Nam Sơn mastered oil painting and began exhibiting as early as 1923.

Together, the two men founded in 1924 the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine (EBAI) in Hanoi an institution that became a crucible for Vietnamese modern art, teaching both Western techniques (oil painting, perspective, anatomy) and Eastern traditions (silk painting, lacquer). From this school emerged the great names of Vietnamese painting, including Lê Phổ, Mai Trung Thứ, and Vũ Cao Đàm.

In 1936, during the Salon of the Société Annamite d’Encouragement à l’Art et à l’Industrie (SADEAI) in Hanoi, Nam Sơn exhibited four silk paintings, including Paysannes du Tonkin (Peasant Women of Tonkin), a scene depicting three women harvesting bananas — a subject rooted in Vietnamese rural life.

While the subject matter reflects traditional Asian aesthetics, the composition structured in multiple successive planes — reveals a modern, Western-inspired spatial sensibility. The work exemplifies Nam Sơn’s ability to blend Vietnamese themes with French academic composition, a hallmark of his style.

In the Nam Sơn archives preserved by his family, photographs of this major work bear the inscription:

“Nguyễn Nam Sơn – Paysannes du Tonkin – Silk – SADEAI Salon 1936.”

These works embody his refined decorative sense, likely influenced by his exposure to the École des Beaux-Arts de Paris, as seen in the subtle green foliage rendered with Art Deco elegance.

Nam Sơn on the Art Market: Artist’s Value and Auction Estimates

Nam Sơn’s reputation has grown steadily in recent years, supported by his historic role as co-founder of the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine alongside Victor Tardieu.

A visionary artist and educator, Nam Sơn is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Vietnamese painting, having integrated Western artistic principles while preserving a distinctly Vietnamese identity.

His works are known for their sensitive portraits, harmonious landscapes, and intimate scenes of daily life, characterized by masterful drawing, compositional balance, and subtle color harmonies.

Once rare on the market, Nam Sơn’s paintings are now in high demand, particularly those created during the 1930s–1950s, his most significant artistic period.

The most sought-after works are portraits and Vietnamese rural scenes, especially those with documented provenance or historical exhibition records.

Selling a Work by Nam Sơn

Charlotte Aguttes-Reynier, author of Le renouveau de l’art moderne en Indochine and an expert at Aguttes for over 15 years, offers her extensive knowledge of this movement and its market to both French and European sellers and predominantly Vietnamese collectors.

She appraises mostly unpublished works paintings and sculptures, modern or contemporary and conducts on-site valuations across France and Europe through Aguttes’ regional offices.

You can also send your free and confidential valuation request, including a description, photographs, and any available documentation, via the online form or directly by email to our expert.

The department organizes four annual sales 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 trusted expertise for private collectors and institutions, guaranteeing the best possible prices and record results within the framework of French auction law.

The Asian Painters Department regularly presents sales 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 obtain a free valuation of your work by Nam Sơn, and benefit from personalized support throughout the auction process.