There's just time for one last look at Christie's joint French art and wine auctions, which are taking place tomorrow (January 25) in New York.
As we've already reported, the wine auction will offer a stunning range of vintages from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone and Champagne.
On the art side, the greatest works are probably those by Old Masters Hans Memling and Arcimboldo, but the particularly French theme comes in the form of a group of paintings led by Jean-Honoré Fragonard.
Nicholas Hall, Joint International Head of Old Master and Early British Paintings, commented:
“We are excited to feature a series of rediscovered Dutch and Flemish masterworks of the 17th century, which underscore the continuing sense of adventure in the Old Masters field. In addition, we have responded to the revival of interest in French Rococo art with a unique sale, ‘The Art of France’.”
 Fragonard's much-loved painting The Good Mother |
The likely top lot from this section of the sale is The Good Mother, a beautiful oval oil painting for which the complete provenance is known from its ownership by Marie-François Ménage de Pressigny during Fragonard’s lifetime, through its confiscation and re-patriation during WWII.
Exhibited on ten occasions during the 20th century, the work have always excited aesthetes, being referred to in around 20 books referred to in the lot notes. Its estimate of $5m-7m seems if anything a little modest.
Recent and related articles
· Francis Bacon's Portrait of Henrietta Moraes comes to auction for the first time | 22 January 2012· $670,000 auction house raid has jewellery industry on high alert | 22 January 2012
· Vintage Posters for food and wine go up for sale, led by a classic for Campari | 21 January 2012
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Images: Christie's
