"Iris" (Iris) and "Weeping Willow" (Weeping Willow) are two artworks by Claude Monet that will soon be sold at an auction in Paris, and they are expected to fetch prices between 22 to 30 million euros. This price is considered the highest estimate ever for an artwork in France.
Unprecedented Condition of the Works
The Sodebis auction on October 22 will sell these two works along with other pieces from the private collection of the Schlumberger family. "Iris," as a large painting created at the end of Monet's life, will be presented in extraordinary condition. According to Thomas Bompard, co-director of the modern and contemporary art department at Sodebis France, this work has no varnish and remains on its original canvas, never having been restored.
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History and Appeal of the Works
These works have been kept in the living room of the Schlumberger family for a century, and "Iris" and "Weeping Willow" have never been moved to another location. Moreover, these works have not been displayed to the public until now. The paintings were originally purchased by Jean Schlumberger, a prominent art collector, from the Monet family, and the story of their ownership has always been discussed in art circles. Thomas Bompard notes that many people were aware of this collection, but few have actually seen these works.
This year is also significant for Monet, as it marks the centenary of his death on December 5, 1926. To commemorate this event, two exhibitions about his life will open at the end of September in Paris: "Monet, Painting Time" and "Landscape Stories, from Monet to Hawking."
In total, 28 other works will also be sold at this auction, and the total revenue is expected to exceed 40 million euros. Among these works are four pieces by Monet, as well as a sculpture by Camille Claudel and several paintings by Gustave Moreau. Additionally, a wall composition of three works by Paul Cézanne will also be sold at this auction, with "La Ferme" being Cézanne's largest work ever presented at auction, estimated to be priced between 600,000 to 800,000 euros.
These three paintings are recognized as "national treasures," giving the government the opportunity to purchase them within 30 months.
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