Fortunino Matania Auction Prices and Value Guide
Fortunino Matania auction prices are tracked in Appraisily's artist market index, with source-directory coverage of 265 records. Use this page to review sold-lot activity, market context, and valuation factors before requesting a formal appraisal.
Fortunino Matania auction prices: quick answer
Fortunino Matania auction prices depend on medium, size, date, condition, provenance, edition details, attribution confidence, and recent comparable auction sales.
- Artist
- Fortunino Matania
- Source records
- 265
- Market update
- 2026-02-06
Artist context
About Fortunino Matania
Fortunino Matania (1881–1963) was an Italian-born illustrator and painter who spent much of his professional career in London. The son of artist Eduardo Matania, he became known for his strikingly realistic depictions of World War I trench warfare and a broad range of historical subjects. Working as an illustrator and war artist, Matania produced work characterized by meticulous detail and dramatic composition, often reconstructing historical events with journalistic immediacy. His illustrations reached wide audiences through major periodical publications. Recognized with the title of Chevalier, Matania is recorded in leading art reference works including Bénézit, Thieme-Becker, and the Allgemeines Künstlerlexikon. Collectors today encounter his work across original paintings, drawings, and printed illustrations that document both twentieth-century conflict and earlier historical scenes.
Oil paintingIllustration (pen, ink, watercolor)World War I trench warfareHistorical scenes and reconstructionsRoyal and ceremonial subjects
Common works and media
Common works include original oil paintings of historical and military scenes, pen-and-ink and watercolor illustration drawings prepared for magazine reproduction, printed illustrations from periodicals such as The Sphere and other London-based publications, and reproductive prints of his war and historical compositions. Subjects range from World War I trench warfare and battle scenes to royal ceremonies, ancient history reconstructions, and romanticized historical episodes.
Market and appraisal context
Matania's work appears at auction primarily as original illustrations, oil paintings, and works on paper. His World War I subjects and historical reconstructions are the most widely recognized categories. Value depends on whether a work is an original painting, an original illustration drawing, or a printed reproduction — the distinction is critical for appraisal. Provenance linking a work to a specific publication or commission can strengthen attribution. Condition is an important factor, especially for works on paper. Collectors should be aware that many reproduced illustrations from periodicals circulate as decorative prints, which carry different value than unique artworks.
Auction categories and appraisal factors
Value drivers
- Subject matter: WWI trench scenes and historical reconstructions are most recognized
- Medium: original oil paintings command higher values than printed illustrations or reproductions
- Provenance: documented exhibition or publication history strengthens attribution
- Condition: works on paper are especially sensitive to condition issues
Appraisal caveats
- Printed magazine and book reproductions of Matania illustrations circulate widely and should not be confused with original works.
- Attribution should distinguish between original artwork and reproductive prints.
- No specific auction price records were available in the source pack; appraisal values should reference verified comparable lots.
Evidence
Sources for artist context
This source-grounded artist context passed Appraisily's promotion threshold: high confidence, strong sources.
- RKD (Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie) library authority
- Wikidata library authority
- VIAF library authority
- Getty Vocabulary Program library authority
- Library of Congress library authority
- Wikipedia wikipedia
Data basis
This page is built from Appraisily's public auction market index. Private transactions, incomplete sale feeds, and attribution changes may not be fully represented.
Artist value FAQ
How much is Fortunino Matania worth?
Comparable public auction sales are the best starting point, but final value depends on the specific artwork, condition, size, medium, provenance, and attribution confidence.
Can Appraisily value my Fortunino Matania artwork?
Yes. Appraisily can review photos, dimensions, signatures, condition, provenance, and comparable market data to prepare a current valuation.