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Previously Unknown Renoir of Son and Nursemaid Sells at Paris Auction

Coverage gives conflicting prices, with Drouot citing €1.8 million.

Art consultant Pascal Perrin stands next to the painting "L'enfant et ses jouets - Gabrielle et le fils de l'artiste, Jean" (Child with Toys - Gabrielle and the Artist's Son, Jean), before 1910, by artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) on display before its auction at Drouot auction house in Paris, France, October 14, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
The painting as presented by the Drouot auction house last month

Overview

  • The canvas was sold on Nov. 25 at Drouot in Paris to an anonymous international buyer.
  • Reports diverged on the final amount, with AFP and Le Monde relaying Drouot’s €1.8 million figure and Reuters reporting €1.45 million.
  • The work had never been exhibited or sold and came from the family of Jeanne Baudot, Renoir’s friend, student, and Jean Renoir’s godmother.
  • Dated to roughly 1890–1895, the painting was valued before the sale at €1–1.5 million and was praised for its exceptional, unrestored condition.
  • Auctioneer Christophe Joron-Derem highlighted the portrait’s intimate subject of Jean Renoir with nursemaid Gabrielle Renard, as the sale arrived during a lively period for high-end art marked by recent record results.