Rare Claude Monet Landscapes From a Private Family Collection Surface at Sotheby’s
Unseen for a 100 years, both paintings have remained in the same private collection ever since.
Summary
- Sotheby’s Paris will auction two rare Monet paintings, marking their first public sale in over a century
- Both works debut publicly on April 16, at Sotheby’s Art Moderne et Contemporain Evening Auction
Two rare paintings by Claude Monet have resurfaced after more than a century, set to headline Sotheby’s Art Moderne et Contemporain Evening Auction in Paris later this month. Their reappearance marks a significant moment for collectors and scholars alike, as both works exemplify Monet’s mastery during pivotal phases of his career.
The first painting, “Les Iles de Port-Villez” (1897), captures the Seine near Giverny with Monet’s signature interplay of light and water. Painted during his mature period, the canvas reflects his fascination with shifting atmospheres, as the river’s surface dissolves into shimmering reflections. As for the second painting, “Vétheuil, Effet du Matin” (1878), belongs to an earlier chapter, when Monet was living in Vétheuil and experimenting with morning light. Its delicate brushwork and luminous palette embody the Impressionist pursuit of fleeting natural effects, offering a glimpse into the artist’s evolving vision.
Both works have remained in the same private family collection for over a century, making this their first appearance on the public market since they were originally acquired. Together, these works are estimated to fetch between €12 million – €18 million EUR (approx. $13 million – $19.5 million USD ), representing a significant moment for the Impressionist market in France.
The paintings will be offered at Sotheby’s Paris on April 16, 2026, as part of the prestigious evening sale. For more details regarding the paintings and the Art Moderne et Contemporain Evening Auction, head over to Sotheby’s official website.
