Paris, April 16, 2026 A painting by French Impressionist Claude Monet, "Vétheuil, effet du matin," sold for €10.2 million at a Paris auction, setting a record for the artist's works sold in France, according to Sotheby's. The 1901 artwork, whose title translates to "Vétheuil, Morning Effect," surpassed its pre-sale estimate of €6–8 million after a fierce 10-minute bidding war. Sotheby's announced the sale on Thursday, highlighting the painting's significance as the highest-priced Monet work ever auctioned in France.
Another Monet piece, "Les Iles de Port-Villez" (The Islands of Port-Villez), painted in 1883, fetched €6.45 million at the same event, also exceeding its €3–5 million estimate.
Record Prices and Bidding Frenzy
The auction showcased strong demand for Monet's works, with both pieces selling well above their projected values. "Vétheuil, effet du matin" drew particular attention, with collectors competing aggressively for the early 20th-century landscape.
The €10.2 million sale marks a milestone for Monet's market in France, though it pales in comparison to the artist's global auction record. In 2019, Monet's "Heuhaufen" (Haystacks) sold for $110.7 million at Sotheby's New York, underscoring the premium placed on his most iconic works.
Context and Market Trends
Monet, who lived from 1840 to 1926, remains one of the most sought-after Impressionists, with his landscapes and seascapes consistently commanding high prices. The Paris auction reinforced this trend, with both "Vétheuil, effet du matin" and "Les Iles de Port-Villez" appealing to collectors for their historical and aesthetic value.