Renoir's Son Painting Sells Big! But What Happens to the Family Fortune?!

PARIS - A charming Renoir painting depicting a tender moment between his son and his nursemaid went under the hammer at a Drouot auction in Paris on Tuesday, fetching a cool €1.45 million, which translates to around $1.68 million. Not a bad day at the office, you might say.

Renoir's Son Painting Sells Big! But What Happens ...

The artwork, titled "Child with Toys - Gabrielle and the Artist's Son, Jean," dates back to around 1895. What's really interesting is its provenance. Renoir gifted the piece to Jeanne Baudot, who was not only his sole student but also a close friend and confidante. And the painting has remained in her family ever since, quietly appreciating in value, no doubt. It's always fascinating to see a piece of art with such a personal history.

Now, while $1.68 million is a hefty sum, it's worth noting that Renoir, despite being a cornerstone of the Impressionist movement, didn’t quite break any records with this sale. The undisputed champion in the Impressionist category remains Claude Monet. Remember the buzz around his "Haystacks" series? One of those paintings sold for a staggering $110.7 million just last year. Still, Renoir's contribution to art history is undeniable, and this sale reflects the enduring appeal of his work.

The painting itself is a beautiful example of Renoir's style, capturing a sense of intimacy and warmth. It features his son, Jean Renoir, alongside Gabrielle Renard. Gabrielle wasn't just Jean's nursemaid; she was also a frequent model for Renoir. In fact, according to auctioneer Christophe Joron-Derem, she posed for nearly 200 of his paintings! That's quite a testament to their working relationship and the artist's appreciation for her presence.

"It is a masterpiece of intimacy," Joron-Derem stated, "capturing the tender relationship between Jean Renoir and Gabrielle, who skillfully managed the child, allowing Renoir to paint him." It's that everyday, human connection that really shines through in Renoir's work, wouldn't you agree?

It's also worth mentioning that Jean Renoir, the little boy in the painting, went on to become a highly acclaimed film director himself. He lived a long and productive life, passing away in 1979. So, this painting isn't just a snapshot of a moment in time; it's also a glimpse into the early life of a future artistic giant.

Adding to the painting's appeal, art consultant and Renoir specialist Pascal Perrin praised its "exceptional condition." Apparently, the colors have been perfectly preserved, which is a major plus for any collector. It just goes to show, sometimes the best things really do last.