Claude Monet’s painting was never lost, but hidden in private hands, although some collectors might have considered that lost. Collectors have the opportunity to tour with it as it travels around the world on display by Sotheby’s ahead of its Modern Evening Auction scheduled for May 17, 2022 6:00 PM EDT in New York. The masterwork titled: Le Grand Canal et Santa Maria della Salute, has not seen the public eye in 25 years. Painted during Claude Monet’s only trip to Venice. A generation has passed since the year 1997.

Before starring in Sotheby’s Modern Evening Auction, Monet’s “Le Grand Canal et Santa Maria della Salute” will be on public view for the first time in 25 years. Sotheby’s will be showing this piece of fine art in Taipei, Hong Kong, Venice, London, and New York.” (Image below by Sotheby’s)

According to the Sotheby’s press release:

“Le Grand Canal et Santa Maria della Salute (1908) was last exhibited in 1997 at the Kimbell Art Museum. This year, on 27 March, the painting will embark on a global tour of its own, appearing first at Sotheby’s in Taipei from 27–30 March before traveling to Hong Kong from 8–12 April. Later, on 20 April, the painting will return to its home city for a special dinner held at the Gritti Palace in celebration of the Venice Biennale. Finally, it will briefly travel to London from 23–26 April and then New York City, where it will be on public view from 6–16 May before appearing as a star lot in Sotheby’s Modern Evening Auction.”

The painting has an estimate of around $50 million according to the press release. An inquiry from Sotheby’s is needed for the exact sum. As stated in the provenance the painting is one of only 37 made while on his only trip to the city of Venice.

Beyond an illusive Monet are million dollar estimated works by Pablo Picasso, Jean Dubuffet, and Fernand Leger. These represent some of those offerings, and images below are provided by Sotheby’s as well.

Pablo Picasso, Elongated nude and bust of a man. Estimated at $4,500,000 – $6,500,000 USD

Fernand Léger, The Camper, study. Estimated at $4,000,000 – $6,000,000 USD

Jean Dubuffet, The Present changes into a past. Estimated at $2,500,000 – $3,500,000 USD

Jean Dubuffet, The Three Walkers. Estimated at $1,400,000 – $1,800,000 USD