The paintings of Impressionist artist Claude Monet (1840-1926) are among the most valuable works of art in the world. 2019 his Mullers “Haystack” soared to $110.7 million at Sotheby’s in New York, setting an auction record for an Impressionist painting that still stands today. From glowing haystacks painted at different times of the day to his monumental works water lily (water lilies) canvases and ethereal Venetian cityscapes, Monet’s work has attracted a global following of collectors eager to own his luminous works of art.
But early in his career, Monet, like many Impressionists, struggled to make ends meet. It is reported Art Network NewsA collection of Monet’s letters will be auctioned at Autograph Auctions on March 25, after Gustave Manet, brother of Monet’s fellow Impressionist Édouard Manet, confirmed that he had loaned the artist a letter.
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The letter, dated October 18, 1875, reads: “I, the undersigned Claude Monet, acknowledge having received from M. Gustave Manet a loan of one thousand francs, which sum will be repaid by the proceeds of the auction of thirty-five of my paintings, which will be held in February next year under the direction of the auctioneer M. Charles Oudard.”
Manet further noted that he had already delivered eight paintings to Udar, and the remainder “including a painting of a Japanese woman (life-size) currently in progress” would be delivered upon completion. The painting mentioned will become Japanese songs (1876), a painting of Monet’s wife wearing a Japanese kimono. It is now on display at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and is estimated to be worth $100 million.
Francisco Piñero, CEO of International Autograph Auctions Europe, said: “(W)hat makes this particular document signed by Claude Monet so historically important is that it sheds light on the financial difficulties of the early Impressionist painter.” Art Network News. “More than just a list of figures, it embodies Monet’s determination in the face of the movement’s shaky beginnings.”
