Art

Monet’s Twilight Riverscape Heads to Christie’s

Claude Monet’s Peupliers au bord de l’Epte, crépuscule (1891) is set to lead Christie’s May auction in New York, estimated between $30M and $50M.

Por: Angela Leon Cervera April 21, 2025

Monet Christie’s auction 2025 — Claude Monet’s ‘Peupliers au bord de l’Epte, crépuscule’ is a top highlight of the 20th Century Evening Sale. Photo: Christie's

This May, Christie’s New York will feature Claude Monet’s Peupliers au bord de l’Epte, crépuscule (1891) in its 20th-century evening sale.

Estimated to fetch between $30 million and $50 million, this painting is among the highest-valued lots of the season. Part of Monet’s renowned Les Peupliers series, the work captures the ephemeral beauty of twilight along the Epte River near his home in Giverny.

Its atmospheric hues and delicate interplay of light exemplify Monet’s mastery in conveying nature’s transient moments.

What Is the Provenance of This Masterpiece?

Originally exhibited at Galerie Durand-Ruel et Cie in Paris, the painting was acquired by the prominent Impressionist dealer Paul Durand-Ruel and remained in his family until 1955.

Subsequently, it entered a private collection, where it has resided for over six decades. Notably, the artwork was on long-term loan to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston for more than 30 years, allowing the public to appreciate its significance within Monet’s oeuvre.

Monet’s Peupliers au bord de l’Epte, crépuscule

What is the significance of this painting? It is a prime example of Monet’s exploration of light and atmosphere, capturing the ephemeral quality of twilight in his Les Peupliers series.
Where has the painting been exhibited? It was on long-term loan to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston for over 30 years, allowing public access to this masterpiece.
Who previously owned the painting? After being acquired by Paul Durand-Ruel, it remained in his family until 1955 and has since been part of a private collection.
How does this work compare to others in the series? While nine paintings from the Les Peupliers series are in major museums, this piece stands out for its crepuscular palette and the depiction of shifting light.

How Does This Work Fit Within Monet’s Les Peupliers Series?

Monet’s Les Peupliers series comprises 24 paintings depicting poplar trees along the Epte River.

Nine of these works are housed in esteemed institutions such as the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Tate in London, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo.

The series is celebrated for its exploration of light and reflection, with each painting capturing different times of day and atmospheric conditions.

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What Are the Auction Details?

Auction House: Christie’s New York
Sale: 20th-Century Evening Sale
Date: May 12, 2025
Estimate: $30 million – $50 million
Pre-Auction Exhibitions: The painting will be showcased in Taipei before returning to New York for the auction.

The upcoming auction of Monet’s Peupliers au bord de l’Epte, crépuscule presents a rare opportunity to acquire a significant work from the artist’s esteemed Les Peupliers series.

Its rich provenance and exhibition history underscore its importance within Impressionist art. As it heads to Christie’s, collectors and enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see where this masterpiece finds its next home.