The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has acquired Jean Siméon Chardin's 1760 painting *The Cut Melon* directly from the descendants of Baroness Charlotte de Rothschild. The work had previously sold for $30.3 million at Christie's France in June 2024 to Italian investor Nanni Bassani Antivari, who failed to pay, leading Christie's to sue him. The museum, which was the underbidder at auction, announced the acquisition on Wednesday, and the painting goes on view Thursday in the Louis I. Kahn building.
This acquisition is significant because *The Cut Melon* is considered one of the two most important Chardin still lifes remaining in private hands, alongside *Basket of Wild Strawberries*, which the Kimbell also tried and failed to acquire in 2022. The painting fills a major gap in the museum's collection, which had lacked a significant Chardin still life. Its placement in Kahn's galleries is seen as a harmonious complement, with the painting's prominent orange tones echoing the architect's affinity for the color. The acquisition also highlights the complexities of the high-end art market, where auction sales can unravel due to non-payment.