Introduction

Christie’s, a renowned name in the art world, has made an announcement, revealing that Claude Monet’s celebrated painting, ‘Le bassin aux nymphéas’ (1917-1919), will take centre stage at its 20th Century evening sale in New York this coming November. The masterpiece, adorned with a guarantee, is estimated to fetch an impressive $65 million.

An Unseen Gem

This exquisite artwork, a depiction of Monet’s beloved Giverny Gardens, measures a remarkable two meters in width by one meter in height. Remarkably, the painting has been nestled in the same private collection since 1972 and was part of Monet’s estate upon his passing in 1926. Astonishingly, it appears that ‘Le bassin aux nymphéas’ has never graced the public eye, indicating its remarkable condition.

Max Carter’s Insights

Max Carter, Christie’s vice chairman of 20th and 21st Century Art, Americas, noted the rarity and pristine condition of the artwork. He stated, “As far as we can tell, it has never been seen publicly, which also means it is in great condition.”

Breaking Auction Records

Monet’s presence in the art market has left an indelible mark, with record-breaking sales. Notably, his auction record was established in May 2019 when Sotheby’s auctioned his 1890 landscape ‘Meules’ (Haystacks) for an astonishing $110.7 million, surpassing its estimate of $55 million. This achievement marked a historic high for Impressionist art and was notably higher than its previous sale at Christie’s New York in May 1986 for $2.53 million.

Legacy of Monet

Claude Monet’s enduring appeal is evident in the art world. In 2018, ‘Nymphéas en fleur’ (1914–17), another masterpiece depicting the artist’s gardens, fetched an impressive $84.7 million at Christie’s New York, originating from the esteemed collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller. This price held the record for Monet’s works until the groundbreaking sale of ‘Meules’ in 2019.

Art enthusiasts and collectors worldwide eagerly await the upcoming auction in November, where ‘Le bassin aux nymphéas’ is set to make waves and potentially secure its place in the annals of art history.

Feature Image: ‘Le bassin aux nymphéas’, Claude Monet (1917-19).COURTESY: CHRISTIE’S

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