For most artists and painters, most of their work only achieves major monetary success long after the painter has died. For French Impressionist master Claude Monet this has also proven to be the case.
Many of Monet’s most famous paintings have appeared for sale at auction multiple times. They range from a measly $5 to a record-breaking $110 million U.S dollars at a gallery in New York City in 1998.
Although Monet received much success and recognition during his lifetime, it was only after his passing that his artwork became a lucrative commodity for collectors. So, much of his work is available for free in galleries around the globe. However, some of his paintings still appear at auction from time to time. Let’s dive in to know more about Claude Monet’s Artwork at auction.
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Meules – $110 Million – 1998
Monet’s Meules is an oil on canvas painting said to be completed in 1890. It is a soothing depiction of a broad landscape scene with several haystacks sitting in the foreground. It is regarded as Monet’s most delicate artwork in his haystack series, to which he painted a total of five pieces.
The paintings themselves are said to represent the changing of the seasons, with the harvest of the haystacks as the symbol of this change. The series is one of Monet’s most noted, and many others in the collection are currently on display in various museums worldwide.
One of the paintings was also purchased at auction in 1998 for a whopping $110 million. According to Forbes magazine, it was bought by a private German collector and is now believed to be worth over $15.5 billion.
Le Bassin Aux Nymphéas – $70 Million – 2021
Le Bassin Aux Nymphéas, or the Water Lily Pond as it is also known, is another beautiful oil on canvas painting produced by Monet between 1917 and 1919. It is just one of many pieces in the much-loved Water Lilies series.
Water Lily Pond – Claude Monet
The serene water lily pond scene features the idyllic Giverny countryside in Southern France. The country itself is believed to influence why Monet began painting in the first place significantly, and Le Bassin Aux Nymphéas is said to have been painted during the summit of the artist’s career.
This famous painting was purchased on auction for over $70 million U.S dollars in 2021, making it Monet’s second most valuable painting. It is currently held in possession of a private American collector.
Alice Hoschedé au Jardin – $33 Million – 2014
Alice Hoschedé au Jardin is another fantastic oil painting Monet finished in 1881. It depicts a beautiful impressionist portrait of Monet’s second wife Alice Hoschedé as she casually relaxes under a tree in their vibrant and colorful garden in Vétheuil.
Like many of Claude Monet paintings, Alice Hoschedé au Jardin is just one of many paintings the famous French artist produced involving his wife as the centerpiece. It has also been commented that the Alice in Wonderland motif was another influence on the topic.
It has a rich, storied history and has possessed many different owners over the years. It was recently purchased at auction in 2014 for $33 million U.S dollars, making it one of Monet’s most esteemed paintings.
Le Palais Ducal – £27 Million – 2019
Le Palais Ducal or The Doge’s Palace is the name given to yet another series of paintings completed by Monet in 1908. Monet became interested in the palace when he visited Venice in 1908 and painted several different viewpoints over three months.
Painted from predominantly three major vantage points, a close view scene, a scene from a boat in the center of the river, and a view from across the canal. The famous paintings exhibit a colorful palette, with pinks, yellows, and blues strewn under a warm, inviting light. Fellow French artist Paul Signac considered these paintings Monet’s most outstanding achievements.
Monet’s painting of the palace went on public auction as recently as 2019 and was purchased by an avid collector for over GBP 27.5 million. Several of the other paintings in the several are displayed to the public in national art galleries and museums.
Le Grand Canal – £23 Million – 2015
It seems Monet almost always painted in series when he produced six paintings looking down the Venice canal during his visit in 1908. The Grand Canal series is just part of a much larger series the Impressionist master completed on his only trip to Venice.
The painting itself portrays a ground-shot perspective view of the Palazzo Barbaro from the opposite side of the canal. Just like Le Palais Ducal, it is also filled with a warm early autumn color palette and illuminates a relaxing and pleasant view for those who view it.
It was acquired by Auction by a private Japanese collector for just over £23.5 million. Also, just like Le Palais Ducal, it is widely considered one of the painter’s most famous and celebrated Venice paintings.
The Bottom Line
For Claude Monet and his paintings, the tremendous value they have fetched on the open marketplace is undeniable proof and incredible validation for his extraordinary artistic vision. With hundreds of his paintings being sold and resold since his passing, it is a fitting testament to his legacy. Moreover, it should inspire interest to any interested in learning more about the artist.
