A remarkable painting by the legendary French Impressionist artist Claude Monet is coming up for auction in Paris later this month. The oil on canvas landscape, titled “Les Saules, Giverny” (“The Willows, Giverny”), is set to go under the hammer for the first time in over 70 years, marking a monumental occasion for the French art world.
The Artwork’s Fascinating Backstory
This exceptional painting was created by Monet in 1886 during the height of his illustrious career. It had remained in private hands since 1948 after being purchased by a Jewish family living in a lavish central Paris apartment. The family’s grandfather had acquired the rare artwork from a gallery in Nice. For over seven decades, this beautiful Monet creation has been kept hidden from the public eye.
Importance for the French Art Market
According to David Nordmann, an auctioneer with Ader auction house organizing the sale, paintings by Monet of this caliber rarely become available nowadays, especially in France. “It’s exceptionally uncommon for Monet paintings of this size and magnitude to still be in French hands. His most important works tend to reside mainly in large museums or foreign collections,” Nordmann remarked.
The re-emergence of this privately held Monet painting on the French art market is an extraordinary event. Monet’s works have become exceedingly rare in his native France, making this upcoming auction a potentially historic milestone. “It’s an exceedingly special occasion for the French art world,” emphasized Nordmann.
Monet’s Masterful Technique on Display
The oil landscape “Les Saules, Giverny” depicts a serene scene of willow trees from the town of Giverny, where Monet lived and painted for over 40 years until his death in 1926. The artwork exemplifies his signature Impressionist style with its graceful brushwork and expert rendering of light and atmosphere.
“It’s a quintessential Monet scene. His masterful brushwork and use of light are on full display,” said Nordmann, adding, “This is Monet doing what he did best – capturing nature’s beauty through his unique vision.”
Measuring 28.7 by 36.2 inches, “Les Saules, Giverny” may not be as famous as Monet’s water lilies or train station paintings, but it epitomizes the talents that made him one of history’s most acclaimed artists.
Enthusiastic Bidding Expected
The pre-auction estimate for “Les Saules, Giverny” is an impressive 2 to 3 million euros ($2.2 to $3.3 million). “We expect very enthusiastic bidding given how exceptionally rare Monet’s work is today,” commented Nordmann. Museums and private collectors alike will take special interest.
While not approaching the $100+ million price tags of his haystack or water lily pieces, this painting’s valuation speaks to Monet’s elite status. It also demonstrates the sky-high demand for works by prominent Impressionist masters.
Monet’s Lasting Influence
Monet’s groundbreaking Impressionist style had a major influence on subsequent generations of artists. His innovative techniques like visible brushstrokes, emphasis on light, and painting en plein air (outside) were seen as radical departures from tradition at the time.
But today Monet is viewed as one of history’s most important painters. His works introduced new ways of conceptualizing color, light, and perception. They made him a leader of the pivotal Impressionism movement that shaped modern art.
Other Treasures in the Auction
The Monet landscape is one of around three dozen lots up for auction at the Ader Impressionist and Modern Art sale on November 24th. Another highlight is Mary Cassatt’s pastel painting “Portrait de Jeune Fille au Chapeau Blanc” estimated at 800,000 to 1.2 million euros.
Cassatt was an American Impressionist who depicted the lives of women in a sympathetic, intimate manner. Her tender portrayals of mothers with children were innovative for their time. Located in Paris, Cassatt exhibited among the French Impressionists and became close friends with Monet and others.
A Truly Historic Art Auction
The re-emergence and sale of the long-hidden Monet painting “Les Saules, Giverny” is an extraordinary occasion, especially for those in the French art world.
Auctioneer Nordmann summarized its historic significance: “It’s an exceedingly special opportunity. A Monet of this caliber coming to auction in France is an incredibly rare event.”
This upcoming auction marks what could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to acquire a museum-quality oil landscape from one of history’s most renowned Impressionist painters. It will be intriguing to see how bidding unfolds when this masterwork resurfaces in the City of Light.
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