A rare and previously unseen masterpiece by the renowned Impressionist artist Claude Monet is set to go under the hammer in New York next month, with experts estimating it will fetch over $65 million.
The artwork, titled “Le bassin aux nymphéas” or “Water Lily Pond,” is a two-meter-wide painting that is part of Monet’s iconic “Water Lilies” series. This series is celebrated for its exquisite depiction of light dancing on the water, reflecting water lilies and willow trees.
Painted between 1917 and 1919 during the later stage of Monet’s career, the artwork captures the essence of nature’s fleeting beauty, exploring the ephemeral atmosphere, seasonal blooms, watery depths, and glimmering reflections of light. This revelation has generated considerable excitement in the art world, with Christie’s auction house calling it a “masterpiece rediscovered.”
For more than half a century, this Monet treasure remained hidden within a family collection, impeccably preserved and untouched. Max Carter, Christie’s Vice Chairman of 20th and 21st Century Art, remarked that this painting’s uniqueness lies in the fact that it has never been exhibited or offered at auction.
The highly anticipated sale of “Le bassin aux nymphéas” is scheduled for November 9 as part of Christie’s evening auction of 20th-century works.
Claude Monet’s influence on the art world remains profound, with his masterpieces being emblematic of the Impressionist movement and fetching staggering prices at auction, further solidifying his status as a celebrated artist.
