Discoveries in Toulouse, two paintings by a Flemish master auctioned in New York
Through Lucie Fraissé
Published on
It’s the kind of story that makes you dream … Three months ago, a family from the region of Toulouse decides to have two paintings appraised that she has owned for several generations. Two portraits, blackened, without frame, which do not look pretty.
A first estimate of a few thousand euros …
The expert auction house Marambat de Malafosse, based in Toulouse, observe them, gauge them, and esteem them. And tell the family that they can probably get it out between 2,000 and 3,000 euros, for both tables.
“Of the many people watched these paintings, explains François de Malafosse. We beautiful them, they had a presence. We decided to ask Pierre Etienne for an additional opinion, specialist in old paintings at Christie’s, with whom we have been working in partnership for a year and a half. “
The price of paintings soars
The eye of the specialist will change the destiny of these paintings and of the family that owns them. For him, no doubt, these are works by Jacob Jordaens, a Flemish painter from the 17e century.
“There are three big names in Flemish painting at that time,” says François de Malafosse. Rubens, Antoine Van Dyck and Jacob Jordaens, of which there is moreover the name on the back of the two tables. “
A discovery which, of course, makes the price of the two paintings soar, the estimate of which is now located between 60 and 100,000 euros. But the auction could climb, especially as the sale will be made, excuse the little, in the prestigious premises of Christie’s, in new York.
A sale with other great masters
“The next sale dedicated to Flemish painters in France will not take place for a year: the choice of new York won, explains François de Malafosse. The sale will take place on October 14, and there will be many paintings from this period, which will give additional echo to these two works by Jordaens. “
The two paintings, which remain for a long time in the archives of this Toulouse family, could therefore soon be found on the walls of a collector or in the bays of an international museum. “The owners are delighted! indicates François de Malafosse. Think about it: at the beginning it was said that their paintings would have received a few thousand euros and they are finally put up for auction at new York, it’s great. Our goal as experts is to bring this type of adventure to our customers ”.
Experts from Christie’s in Toulouse
If you also think you have a treasure in your house, know that Christie’s experts are traveling to Toulouse this Thursday, September 30, 2021, at the Toulouse auction house (7 rue d’Astorg), from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. . The expertises will be free.
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