A previously unseen masterpiece by French Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, depicting his son Jean and the family nanny, has been unveiled at the prestigious Hôtel Drouot auction house in Paris. The intimate painting, titled "L'Enfant et ses jouets - Gabrielle et le fils de l'artiste, Jean" (The Child and His Toys - Gabrielle and the Artist's Son, Jean), will go up for auction on November 25, with an estimated value between 1 million and 1.5 million euros.
The oil painting, measuring 54x65 cm and in perfect condition, has been described as a "masterpiece of intimacy" by art experts. "This painting is a very, very important work both in format and period. We are really looking at Renoir's perfect mastery of his art," emphasized Pascal Perrin, a specialist of the artist's work. The artwork showcases the renowned painter's exceptional skill during his mature period in the 1890s.
Created between 1890 and 1895, the painting depicts young Jean Renoir, the artist's second son who would later become the acclaimed film director behind classics like "The Grand Illusion" and "The Rules of the Game." In the composition, the child is shown sitting on the lap of his nanny, Gabrielle Renard, concentrating intently on small figurines placed before him. The scene captures a tender moment of childhood play and domestic tranquility that was characteristic of Renoir's intimate family portraits.
Gabrielle Renard holds a special place in Renoir family history, having joined the household at age 16 to serve Aline Charigot, the artist's wife. She devoted more than twenty years to raising the three Renoir sons and became one of Auguste Renoir's most frequent models, appearing in nearly 200 of his paintings. Her close relationship with the family made her an integral part of their daily life and artistic legacy.
The painting's provenance adds to its extraordinary significance in the art world. "This is a painting that never left the family, had never been seen, and wasn't even listed in the Wildenstein archives," explained Christophe Joron-Derem, the auctioneer handling the sale through his auction house. The Wildenstein catalogue is considered a major reference in the art world for authenticating and cataloging important works.
Originally owned by Jeanne Baudot, Renoir's only student and close friend, the artwork remained in her possession until her death in 1957 at her home in Louveciennes, in the Yvelines department, where Auguste Renoir had established his studio. Following Baudot's death, the painting was bequeathed to Jean Griot, whom she considered her "spiritual son." Griot was a resistance fighter during World War II, a member of General de Gaulle's cabinet, and later served as director of Le Figaro newspaper in the 1970s. The work remained with his heirs until his death in 2011.
The painting's rarity makes it particularly valuable to collectors and museums. "We only know of two subjects painted this way by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. A fairly similar painting is preserved in the collections of the National Gallery of Art in Washington," Joron-Derem noted. This scarcity, combined with the work's impeccable condition and fascinating family history, contributes to its status as a significant rediscovery in the Impressionist art market.
The artwork has now been authenticated and assigned a reference number for inclusion in the official catalogue raisonné of the painter's works, cementing its place in Renoir's artistic legacy. The upcoming auction represents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a major work by one of France's most beloved Impressionist masters, particularly one with such intimate family connections and pristine provenance.
