Tableaux Anciens et du XIXe Siècle

This exceptional sale offers a number of remarkable rediscoveries, beginning with a masterpiece by Charles Le Brun, The sacrifice of Polyxena. Executed in 1647, this painting shows the influence of Poussin’s classicism on Louis XIV’s favoured artist. Hanging on the wall of the Coco Chanel suite at the Paris Ritz, the painting was rediscovered only very recently, on the occasion of an inventory before the renovation of this famous hotel. This masterpiece will be offered alongside other major rediscoveries: a portrait of the family Davène de Fontaine by François de Troy and two paintings by Louis Lagrenée depicting the Roman general Scipio, commissioned by Jean Pâris de Montmartel for his hôtel particulier.

The 19th century paintings section also includes a Portrait of Princess Cécile Murat by Giovanni Boldini, famous for his portraits of elegant high-society ladies in Paris at the turn of the century, and a charming painting on panel by Gustave Moreau representing Leda and the Swan.