Sotheby's Paris sale on April 16, 2026, achieved a total of 35 million euros, an 84% increase over the previous year's equivalent auction. The event was dominated by two rediscovered Claude Monet paintings, with 'Vétheuil, effet du matin' setting a new auction record for the artist in France at 10.2 million euros. Strong results were also posted for works by Marc Chagall, Lucio Fontana, and Gerhard Richter, with 62.5% of lots selling above their high estimates.
The sale underscores the resilience and dynamism of the Impressionist and modern art market, particularly in Paris. It signals the city's renewed status as a confident international hub for major works, driven by fresh supply and high-quality offerings. The performance demonstrates sustained global demand for top-tier Impressionist works over a century after Monet's death and points to a robust market across various modern and contemporary segments.