On June 24, Sotheby's London will feature two remarkable works by Claude Monet in its modern and contemporary art auction. One painting showcases the renowned water lily pond from his estate, while the other is a charming portrait of his wife, Camille. Both pieces have a rich history, having been owned by distinguished collectors, and are returning to the market just a few years after their last auction appearances.
The first painting, Nymphéas (1907), carries an estimated value of £30 to £40 million ($40 to $53.5 million) and was previously part of Anne Bass's collection. The second, Camille assise sur la plage à Trouville (1870-71), is estimated at £7 to £10 million ($9.4 to $13.4 million) and has connections to the collections of Peggy and David Rockefeller.
Interestingly, Nymphéas fetched an impressive $56.5 million at a Christie's New York auction of Bass's collection in 2022, significantly surpassing its current estimate. Anne Bass, a noted philanthropist and art collector, was recognized on the ARTnews Top 200 Collectors list during the early 1990s.
This nearly nine-foot-high canvas has been publicly displayed only twice--first in Paris in 1909 and again in New York in 2010. The 1909 exhibition drew attention from writer Jean-Louis Vaudoyer, who remarked on how Monet's work beautifully bridged the realms of painting, music, and poetry.
Monet holds the record for the highest auction price for an Impressionist painting, with Meules (1891) selling for $110.7 million at Sotheby's New York in 2019. Since 2008, 14 of Monet's canvases have sold for over $50 million, with nine of these featuring water lilies.
Helena Newman, Sotheby's Europe chairman, highlighted the significance of Nymphéas, stating, "This painting comes from his peak period, focusing on the pond's surface and the interplay of water and sky, edging towards pure abstraction with a stunning palette."
On the other hand, the Camille painting has never been exhibited or sold in the UK before. Research indicates that only one other portrayal of Monet's wife has ever appeared at auction. The current piece, measuring about four feet in height, stands out as a significant work from a pivotal moment in Monet's artistic journey.
Newman expressed confidence in the market, stating, "The decision to consign these two canvases, which represent key periods in Monet's career, underscores London's status as a premier location for significant art sales."