'Iris' (Iris) painting by Claude Monet, the famous painter of the French Renaissance, is set to be sold at Sotheby's auction on October 22. With an estimate between 22 to 30 million euros, this is the highest estimate ever set for a painting in France. This masterpiece was created at the end of Monet's life and, according to experts, is in extraordinary condition.
Exceptional Condition of the Painting
According to Thomas Bompard, Deputy Head of Modern and Contemporary Art at Sotheby's in France, this painting has no varnish and is on its original canvas, having never been restored. He added, "This piece is exactly as it was when Monet painted it 100 years ago." Art experts also emphasized that varnish can alter the color tones of the painting and restoration can compromise the texture of the paint. In his final works, Monet placed great importance on the materials used, and to properly understand these works, the original materials must be preserved.
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History and Valuation
'Iris' has been hanging in the home of the Schlumberger family for a century and has never been moved. This piece, like 'Weeping Willow' (Weeping Willow), which is also up for sale and estimated to be worth between 9 to 10 million euros, has never been displayed in color to the public. This painting was purchased by Jean Schlumberger, a prominent art collector, from the painter's family.
Rumors about the existence of this collection have circulated, and many people were aware of these works in Paris, but few have actually seen them. This has heightened today's excitement. Additionally, the centenary of Monet's death on December 5, 1926, is considered one of the factors driving up prices. Two exhibitions about the life of this painter will open at the end of September in Paris: "Monet, Painter of Time" and "Stories of Landscapes, from Monet to Hawking".
A total of 28 works will be auctioned at Sotheby's, expected to generate over 40 million euros. Among these works, four pieces by Monet, a sculpture by Camille Claudel, and several paintings by Gustave Moreau will also be present. Additionally, a wall composition of three works by Paul Cézanne will be sold, with its central painting, "The Farm" (La Ferme), being the largest work by this artist ever offered at auction, estimated between 600,000 to 800,000 euros.
These three paintings have been designated as "national treasures," giving the government 30 months to consider measures for their purchase.
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