A previously unknown oil painting by French Impressionist master Pierre-Auguste Renoir depicting his young son Jean as a toddler has sold for €1.8 million (approximately $1.95 million) at a prestigious Paris auction. The remarkable work, titled "L'enfant et ses jouets – Gabrielle et le fils de l'artiste, Jean" (The Child and His Toys – Gabrielle and the Artist's Son, Jean), had never been publicly exhibited or sold before this historic auction at the renowned Drouot auction house.
The painting belonged to Jeanne Baudot, Jean Renoir's godmother and a close friend and student of the famous artist. Baudot carefully preserved the work throughout her lifetime before passing it down to her heirs, who decided to bring this hidden treasure to market. Art experts believe the painting was created between 1890 and 1895, capturing young Jean in an intimate domestic scene alongside his nanny Gabrielle.
Pascal Perrin, a distinguished art historian and recognized Renoir expert, praised the exceptional condition of the masterpiece during its presentation. "This work represents an extraordinary find in the art world," Perrin explained while standing beside the painting before the auction. "The canvas has undergone no restoration whatsoever and remains in pristine condition, which is remarkable for a work of this age and significance."
The subject of the painting, Jean Renoir, would grow up to become one of cinema's most celebrated directors. Born in 1894, Jean went on to create cinematic masterpieces including the 1937 classic "La Grande Illusion," which follows two French prisoners of war attempting to escape German captivity during World War I. His contributions to film were formally recognized when he received a Lifetime Achievement Academy Award in 1975, several years before his death at age 84 in 1979.
The auction house had initially estimated the painting's value between €1 million and €1.5 million, but strong bidding drove the final price to €1.8 million. The work was ultimately acquired by an international buyer, though Drouot declined to reveal the purchaser's identity. This sale represents a significant addition to the known works of Renoir, one of the founding fathers of the Impressionist movement.
The successful sale comes at a time when the high-end art market is showing signs of revival after experiencing a downturn in recent years. This trend was further evidenced by several record-breaking sales in recent weeks. A self-portrait by renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo sold for $54.66 million in New York, setting a new record for a painting by a woman artist. Just two nights prior to that sale, a canvas by Gustav Klimt fetched an astounding $236.4 million, making it the second-most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. These extraordinary sales suggest that collectors and investors are returning to the art market with renewed confidence and substantial financial resources.
