Five masterpieces by Claude Monet are expected to fetch £35 million when they go under the hammer.
Among them is Les Demoiselles de Giverny, which alone is expected to fetch £20 million, and which showcases the rural French landscape which inspired so much of his work.
Another painting, Glaçons, environs de Bennecourt, is estimated to sell for £7 million and includes Monet’s depiction of ice on a frozen river that looks forward to his famous depictions of water lillies.
Also in the sale is the work Massif de chrysanthèmes, which is expected to go under the hammer for around £15 million.
The painting, with flowers occupying the entire canvas, is inspired by his fascination with Japanese prints and was most recently exhibited in that country more than 25 years ago.
Helena Newman, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe and Worldwide Head of Impressionist & Modern Art, said: “With Picasso and Van Gogh, Monet is one of the most sought-after artists in the world today. In recent years the energy around him has taken on an even more renewed vigour, both in the global exhibition arena and among collectors all around the world – particularly in Asia where he is a beloved figure. In charting the progression towards his great waterlily paintings, these five stunning works brilliantly articulate the story of Monet as the father of modern art.”
The paintings, owned by the same American collector, will be sold at Sotheby’s London HQ on March 2 at the Modern and Contemporary Evening Auction.
The auction also includes a masterpiece by Belgian surrealist Rene Magritte which is expected to set a record price for the artist.
The painting, L’empire des Lumieres, shows a street scene at night and is estimated to fetch £45 million - the highest price ever paid for one of his works.
