Two significant paintings by Claude Monet, unseen by the public for over a century, are being offered at auction by Sotheby's Paris. The works, *Les Îles de Port-Villez* (1883) and *Vétheuil, Effet du Matin* (1901), have been held in private collections for 115 and over 100 years respectively, with the former last exhibited in the early 20th century at Paul Durand-Ruel's New York gallery. Their combined estimates make them the most valuable Monet paintings to appear at auction in France since 2001.
The resurfacing of these works provides a rare opportunity to study two distinct phases of Monet's career. The earlier riverboat painting foreshadows his later Water Lilies series, while the later, more expansive Vétheuil scene showcases his evolved technique and financial success. Their auction highlights the enduring market strength for major Impressionist works with fresh provenance and offers new insights for scholars and collectors into Monet's artistic development over two decades.