Nguyễn Văn Tỵ (1917–1992): Tradition and Modernity in Vietnamese Art

Promotion XII (1936–1941), Valedictorian — École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine

Biography

Born in Hanoi in 1917, Nguyễn Văn Tỵ was one of the most talented artists of his generation. He joined the preparatory class led by Nguyễn Nam Sơn in 1934, and in 1936 entered the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine, where he studied alongside fellow artists such as Nguyễn Tiến Chung, Trần Văn Lắm, Bùi Trang Chọc, and Hoàng Tích Chù. He graduated first in his class in 1941.

His talent was quickly recognized at the 1936 SADEAI Salon, and from then on he participated in several international exhibitions, including the San Francisco Exhibition of 1939, which introduced his work to a wider audience.

In 1943, he traveled to Japan with Nam Sơn and Lương Xuân Nhị, where they exhibited Vietnamese art abroad. After the August Revolution in 1945, Nguyễn Văn Tỵ joined the Việt Bắc resistance base, collaborating with other artists to continue training young painters.

After the war, when the Hanoi School of Fine Arts reopened, he joined its teaching staff and taught there until 1970. He was appointed the first Secretary-General of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association (1957–1958).

In 2000, Nguyễn Văn Tỵ was posthumously awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Art in recognition of his lifelong contribution to Vietnamese culture and art.

Nguyễn Văn Tỵ on the Art Market: Artist’s Value and Auction Estimates

Nguyễn Văn Tỵ’s works are increasingly valued by collectors for their technical excellence, cultural symbolism, and lyrical balance between tradition and modernity.

His compositions often highlight Vietnamese rural life, landscapes, and stylized female figures, expressed with refined craftsmanship and a distinctive sense of harmony.

Prices for his works range depending on medium, size, and period.

The most sought-after works are his lacquer panels from the 1940s–1960s

Selling a Work by Nguyễn Văn Tỵ

Charlotte Aguttes-Reynier, author of Le renouveau de l’art moderne en Indochine and expert at Aguttes for over 15 years, offers her in-depth expertise to French and European sellers as well as to predominantly Vietnamese collectors.

She specializes in unpublished works, including modern and contemporary paintings and sculptures, and conducts in-person valuations throughout France and Europe in collaboration with Aguttes’ regional offices.

You can also send your free and confidential valuation request including photos, a detailed description, and any relevant documents — via the online form or directly by email to our specialist.

The department organizes four annual auctions dedicated to artists from 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 sellers private or professional with a trusted platform that ensures record results and secure sales under French auction law.

The Asian Painters Department regularly presents auctions dedicated to the great modern Vietnamese masters, including:
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 Nguyễn Văn Tỵ, and benefit from personalized guidance throughout the sale process.