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Question: Nicola Simbari Biography
Answer: From the Vatican to the World Stage
Nicola Simbari (1927–2012) was a Calabrian-born master whose "no-smoke" training began at age 13 at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma. His father was an architect for the Vatican, and this early exposure to the geometry of Rome’s masterpieces is the hidden backbone of his work. While his style is famously exuberant, every composition is anchored by a sophisticated architectural skeleton. Simbari’s breakthrough came in 1958 when he was commissioned to paint the murals for the Italian Pavilion at the Brussels World’s Fair. His style, Simbaresco, is characterized by broad, muscular swatches of bright pastel hues—Mediterranean blues, shocking pinks, and citrus yellows—applied with a palette knife to create a "sculpted" surface. By the 1970s, he was an international phenomenon, collected by the Christian Dior Collection and the Bank of Tokyo. As of early 2026, his legacy as a "poet of light" is being reaffirmed by new collectors who value his ability to balance 1960s Roman glamour with a timeless, semi-abstract impressionism.
At Herndon Fine Art, we have been a primary source for Nicola Simbari for 40 years. Our collection features Original Oils (identified as [RH]) and Vetted Retablos (identified by the first names of our private sellers). Because Simbari’s work relies on "impasto-shadows"—where the height of the paint actually creates its own shadows on the canvas—our vetting process focuses on verifying the authenticity of the palette knife marks and the Wally Findlay Gallery provenance that often accompanies his most important 1960s works. We stand behind every signature with our 40 years of experience and A+ BBB commitment. |
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Question: What is a "Retablo in Silkscreen"?
Answer: This is a proprietary technique Simbari developed to achieve the "look and feel" of an oil painting in a multiple. Unlike a flat print, a Retablo is a silkscreen printed onto a rigid board, often finished with a heavy varnish that mimics his palette knife texture. At Herndon Fine Art, we verify these "Textural Multiple" traits in your database, as they represent the highest tier of his graphic works. |
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Question: Why is he called a "Representational Expressionist"?
Answer: While his subjects are recognizable (women, cafes, marinas), the colors he uses are expressive rather than literal. At Herndon Fine Art, we verify these "Chromatic Energy" traits in your database, as his use of "unnatural" pastels to convey "natural" sunlight is his primary technical signature. |
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Question: How do I distinguish an "Original Oil" from a "Serigraph"?
Answer: Simbari’s Original Oils feature a physical "mountain" of paint (impasto) that can be several millimeters thick. A Serigraph is a flat screenprint on paper. We use our 40 years of experience to identify these technical tiers, ensuring you are aware when a piece is a unique architectural masterwork versus a high-tier multiple. |
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Question: What is the "Christian Dior" connection?
Answer: In the 1960s, Simbari’s work became synonymous with high fashion and Roman "Dolce Vita" culture. His work was acquired for the Christian Dior Collection in Paris, cementing his status as the painter of the sophisticated modern woman. We provide factual provenance for these High-Fashion Era works, which are currently among his most sought-after assets in 2026. |
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Question: What are common condition issues with his 1960s oils?
Answer: The primary concern is "paint-flaking" in the thickest impasto areas if the canvas has lost its tension. We also check for "yellowing" of the old linseed oil. We physically inspect every piece—whether [RH] or from a [Private Seller]—to ensure the "Mediterranean Radiance" is 100% stable. |
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Question: What is "Simbari-Style" and why is it a record-breaker?
Answer: Simbari (1927–2012) was famous for his "Action-Painting" palette-knife technique. His record-breaking original oils (like Summer in Cuma) can sell for $16,500+. His style—vibrant, thick "slabs" of color—is instantly recognizable. |
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Question: What is the value difference between "Original Oil" and "Retablos"?
Answer: Original oils on canvas are his top tier ($5k–$15k). His "Retablos" (screenprints on board with hand-embellishing) are high-quality multiples ($500–$1,500). Collectors should check for the "Simbari" signature in pencil; plate-signatures have much lower value. |
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Question: How does "Sun Exposure" affect his Mediterranean blues?
Answer: Simbari used high-saturation "Mediterranean" colors. Like many Fauve-influenced artists, his pinks and blues can fade if not protected. A "Vivid and Thick" Simbari with original impasto peaks is a "Blue Chip" asset. |
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Question: Why should I buy Nicola Simbari from Herndon Fine Art?
Answer: Nicola Simbari’s immense popularity has led to many "style-of" imitations and unauthorized digital prints. A general auction site won't tell you the difference between a Hand-Signed & Numbered Retablo and a common $100 commercial poster. We talk to you directly to verify the Edition Tier, Palette Knife 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
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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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