A painting by the famous French artist Paul Cézanne, which was hidden in an attic for over a century, has been unveiled to the public for the first time. The painting, titled “Entrée du port” (Entrance to the Harbor), depicts a view of the port of L’Estaque, near Marseille, where Cézanne spent many summers.
The Discovery of the Painting
The painting was discovered in 2014 by a family who inherited a house in the south of France. They found the painting wrapped in a sheet in the attic, along with other artworks and furniture. They did not know the origin or the value of the painting, so they contacted an auctioneer to appraise it.
The auctioneer, Marc Labarbe, recognized the painting as a possible Cézanne and contacted an expert, Eric Turquin, to authenticate it. Turquin confirmed that the painting was indeed a genuine Cézanne, dating from around 1879-1881. He also estimated that the painting was worth between 15 and 25 million euros ($17.5 and $29.2 million).
The Significance of the Painting
The painting is one of the few examples of Cézanne’s early impressionist style, before he developed his more abstract and geometric approach. It shows his mastery of light, color, and perspective, as well as his interest in the landscape of Provence. The painting also belongs to a series of paintings that Cézanne made of the port of L’Estaque, which are considered among his most important works.
The painting is also remarkable for its history and provenance. According to Turquin, the painting was acquired by the family’s ancestor, who was a friend of Cézanne and a collector of impressionist art. The painting was never exhibited or published, and remained in the family’s possession for over a century. It is one of the few Cézanne paintings that have not been seen by the public or the experts.
The Future of the Painting
The painting is currently on display at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, until October 2, 2023. It is part of an exhibition called “Cézanne and the Master Painters. A Dream of Italy”, which showcases Cézanne’s influence by and on other artists, such as Renoir, Monet, Picasso, and Matisse.
The painting will then be sold at an auction in Paris on October 3, 2023, by Labarbe and Turquin. The auction will be open to international bidders, and the proceeds will be shared among the family members who inherited the painting. The painting is expected to attract a lot of interest and attention from collectors and museums, who will have a rare opportunity to acquire a masterpiece by one of the most influential artists of modern art.
