The Art of Living: Monet’s Iris Makes Auction History
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Six bidders, 45 minutes and approximately A$80 million. A landmark moment at Sotheby’s Paris celebrates the enduring relationship between art, collecting and the spaces we call home.
Claude Monet’s Iris (1924–25) has made history at Sotheby’s Paris, achieving €50 million (approximately A$80 million) and becoming the most valuable artwork ever sold at auction in France.
The masterpiece attracted extraordinary international interest, with six bidders competing over an intense 45-minute auction. The final 20 minutes saw two determined collectors continue bidding by telephone, before the painting was secured by a private collector in Asia. The result significantly exceeded its original €22–30 million estimate, reflecting the enduring global demand for important works of art.
Painted during the final years of Monet’s life, Iris captures the beauty of his garden at Giverny, a place that was both his home and an enduring source of artistic inspiration. The work reflects the intimate relationship between art and its surroundings, where nature, light and a sense of place shaped his creative expression.
Previously held within the private collection of Jeanne Schlumberger, the painting spent decades away from public view, forming part of a carefully assembled collection displayed within her Paris residence.
At Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty, we recognise that art brings more than aesthetic beauty to a home. It introduces personality, history and meaning, creating spaces that reflect the interests, experiences and collections of those who inhabit them.
Through our connection to Sotheby’s Auction House and its international network of specialists, we celebrate this intersection of art, architecture and property, bringing Melbourne audiences closer to the global world of collecting.
Monet’s record-breaking sale is a reminder that the most meaningful homes are shaped not only by their architecture, but by the art and stories held within them.
Discover the World of Sotheby’s
For those with an interest in fine art, collecting and the international auction market, Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty offers a connection to the wider Sotheby’s network. To enquire about upcoming auctions or opportunities to engage with Sotheby’s specialists, contact our team at corporate@msir.com.au.