Masterpiece Hiding in Plain Sight

The NY Times is reporting that a 17th Century masterpiece by French artist Charles Le Brun was recently discovered during renovations at the Hotel Paris Ritz. It was later authenticated by Christie's.

The painting “Le Sacrifice de Polyxene” (see image) was discovered by two art experts who were hired by the hotel to review the art collection.  It had hung for the past 30 years in the suite where Coco Chanel once lived, and is thought to have been in the hotel for over 50 years.  The painting is valued at $665,000.00.

I find it interesting, and a little disturbing (although not surprising) that such an upscale and renowned hotel, with valuable art and antiques had not had their collection reviewed and appraised on a regular basis. Christie's will be offering the painting for sale in its New York rooms in its April 15th sale.

The NY Times reports

Christie’s announced this week that art experts had decided that the long-ignored canvas was by Charles Le Brun, one of the masters of 17th-century French painting, and that it would be put it up for auction.

The painting, called “Le Sacrifice de Polyxène” (“The sacrifice of Polyxena”), dates from 1647. It hung above a desk in the hotel suite where Coco Chanel lived for more than 30 years, and was only discovered to be important last summer, when the hotel shut for a 27-month renovation in the face of stiff competition from newer hotels.

Charles Le Brun’s The Sacrifice of Polycena hanging in the Ritz Suite.
“It is a magical discovery,” said Cécile Bernard, a Christie’s expert. “The painting must have been there for at least 50 years.”

The painting depicts the killing of Polyxena, the youngest daughter of King Priam of Troy, who according to myth revealed the weakness of Achilles’ heel and thus led to his death. It will be shown at Christie’s in New York from Jan. 26 to 29 and auctioned on April 15.

Christie’s said it authenticated the painting after it was discovered by two art experts hired by the hotel, and estimates that it will sell for up to 500,000 euros ($665,000).

Source: The NY Times