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Question: Christian Title Biography
Answer: The Academic Dealer of Malibu
Dr. Christian Title (1932–2020) was a Los Angeles-born master whose "no-smoke" training was arguably the most extensive in the field. He earned a Doctorate from the Sorbonne University in Paris, specializing in the French Impressionists, and studied at the Beaux-Arts Academie and the Academie Julian. During his time in Europe, he was influenced by giants like Oskar Kokoschka and Fernand Leger. Upon returning to the U.S. in 1956, he opened the prestigious DeVille Galleries in Los Angeles, becoming one of the country's leading dealers in turn-of-the-century American Impressionism. For over 20 years, he focused on the art of others, not painting full-time until 1978. His style, Contemporary Impressionism, is characterized by "Mind-Impressionism"—he famously never painted on location, believing that memory filtered out unnecessary details, leaving only the "sum total" of a visual experience. As of early 2026, he is remembered as a "True Renaissance Man" whose academic depth and gallery-owner perspective gave his paintings a unique, curated elegance.
At Herndon Fine Art, we have been a primary source for Dr. Christian Title’s most exclusive serigraphs for over 30 years. Our collection features Vetted Hand-Signed Serigraphs (identified as [Brian], [Rachel], and [Mary]) and Printers Proofs (identified as [RH]). Because Dr. Title’s work relies on "Atmospheric Particle Light," our vetting process focuses on verifying the Colville Publishing or DeVille blindstamps and the hand-signed pencil signatures that distinguish his high-tier limited editions from common decorative prints. We stand behind every signature with our 40 years of experience and A+ BBB commitment. |
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Question: What is "Impressionism of the Mind"?
Answer: Title believed that painting from memory was superior to painting from nature because memory retains the emotion of the scene. At Herndon Fine Art, we verify these "Reflected-Memory" traits in your database, as his goal was to create a "glare aesthetic" where light dissolves form, similar to how one recalls a hazy, beautiful afternoon. |
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Question: Why are the "Printers Proofs" (P.P.) so significant?
Answer: A Printers Proof is a limited run (often only 20 pieces) produced specifically for the printer and artist to approve the color accuracy. His market remains solid in early 2026; while standard editions realize between $350 and $1,500, his hand-signed P.P. editions (like Morning Shadows) are highly prized for their scarcity and color fidelity, often reaching $2,000+ in retail value. |
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Question: How do I distinguish a "Serigraph" from an "Original"?
Answer: Title’s Original Oils are unique works that he rarely parted with, often featuring much bolder, darker moods influenced by Rouault. A Serigraph is a high-tier multiple produced by Colville Publishing, a firm he chaired. We use our 40 years of experience to identify these technical tiers, ensuring you know if you are acquiring a unique historical canvas versus a sought-after multiple. |
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Question: What is the "DeVille Gallery" connection?
Answer: Title founded DeVille Galleries in 1957. We provide factual provenance for these DeVille-Heritage works, which are highly prized as they represent the personal output of a man who was simultaneously one of the most respected art dealers in America. |
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Question: What are common condition issues with his 1990s serigraphs?
Answer: The primary concern is "mat-burn" (acid staining) on the paper edges if not properly framed or "ink-lifting" on the saturated color fields of his canal scenes. We also check for "yellowing" of the varnish on his canvas-mounted works. We physically inspect every piece—whether from [RH] or a Private Seller—to ensure the "Memory Glow" is 100% stable. |
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Question: Why is "Mountain Hamlet" his primary market driver?
Answer: His Mountain Hamlet and Quiet Village series are his most recognized "Brand" images. As of 2026, his hand-signed serigraphs are realizing $300–$420 at auction. |
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Question: What is the value of a "Publisher's Proof" on Canvas?
Answer: His most desirable prints are "Publisher's Proofs" (PP) or "Printer's Proofs" (PR) on canvas (like Path to the Village). These feature a "Heavier" texture than paper prints. For a dealer, a "PP" on canvas carries a 20% premium. |
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Question: Does "Condition" affect his soft, "Pastel-Like" palette?
Answer: Yes. Title’s work relies on "Soft Light" and "Dreamlike" atmospheres. Like many Impressionist-style prints, his work can suffer from "Toning" (yellowing of the paper). A "Fresh and White" Title is required for a top secondary market price. |
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Question: Why should I buy Christian Title from Herndon Fine Art?
Answer: Christian Title’s "Soft Impressionist" style is widely imitated by commercial "lifestyle" decor artists. A general auction site won't tell you the difference between a Hand-Signed & Numbered Serigraph (Ed. 300) and a common commercial print. We talk to you directly to verify the Edition Tier (P.P. vs S.N.), Signature Authenticity, and COA, providing the "No-Smoke" transparency your collection deserves. |
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1. EVERY piece of art receives my personal verification of condition and authentication.
2. I WILL NOT ship artwork that isn't in a condition I would accept into my own collection.
3. An A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau
***** ALL PRICES are set by each Seller based on their Unique Motivation to Sell ***** We have a low commission structure of only
25 % above each Seller's asking price or a $minimum commission. This allows us to provide buyers with the best price, sellers a better opportunity to sell, and still keep the lights on. In almost all cases, artwork is shipped unframed (UNLESS The ARTWORK IS ON CANVAS or 3-DIMENSIONAL), as I need to personally verify the artworks' authenticity and condition. Artwork that is shipped Framed is shipped framed to protect the work during shipping. Framing is considered USED
NOTE: Inventory is continuously changing so view your favorite artists pages often. For information on having your inventory added to our Website, contact us at the address below.
Click on the Link below and Join us as a Friend for ongoing featured information
Every client has different motivations for selling and as such we don't offer pricing on the pieces clients sell
If you are looking for the value of your limited edition artwork -- we have a $50 charge for certificates of value if you provide the title, the number of your piece, and an image of your artwork. Original one-of-a-kind pieces require a formal appraisal. Please see our Appraisal Services page.
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