Philippe Ratton

Philippe Ratton is internationally recognized in the world of tribal art for his discerning eye, his meticulous approach, and his extensive experience; with over fifty years in the field, he is undoubtedly one of the most renowned dealers in African art today.

Objects from his collection are on display at the Pavillon des Sessions of the Louvre Museum, while others have been acquired by the Dapper Foundation, the Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac, and the Rietberg Museum in Zurich.

Philippe Ratton was born on August 26, 1949; his father, Maurice Ratton, a renowned dealer in Tribal Art, had his shop on Rue de Grenelle. His uncle, Charles Ratton, a world-renowned expert and dealer specializing in archaeology and medieval art, was one of the first experts in this art form, which was then called “Negro art .” It was in this atmosphere steeped in African and Oceanic art that Philippe Ratton spent his entire childhood, and it was there that his family vocation took root, surrounded by these two influential figures who possessed, as they say, “the keen eye.”

Following his father’s advice, he joined the Ader firm in 1967 as a clerk, took courses at the École du Louvre, and cut his teeth as a dealer at the Flea Market. It was there that he reconnected with Daniel Hourdé, whom he had previously known at his father’s shop as a very young enthusiast.

In 1971, Philippe Ratton was 21 years old. His youth and his desire to experience the real world led him to embark on a long journey to Zaire, in search of artifacts and adventure.

In 1973, his father passed away. Philippe Ratton then took over the gallery at 28 Rue de Grenelle in Paris, and within a decade, made a name for himself there.

In 1990, he partnered with Daniel Hourdé. They then opened the Galerie Ratton-Hourdé on Rue des Beaux-Arts. That same year, Philippe Ratton was also appointed an “expert” and became head of the Primitive Art department at Etude Tajan. The gallery subsequently moved to a larger space at 11 Rue Bonaparte, across from the École des Beaux-Arts. For several years, the Ratton-Hourdé Gallery presented thematic exhibitions that remain benchmarks to this day.

Since 2011, Philippe Ratton has been managing the Ratton Gallery on his own; since September 2020, the gallery has been located at 33 Rue de Seine. He is a member of the French Union of Professional Art Experts.