In recent months, there has been a lot of talk about the 18th-century French painter Jean Simeon Chardin because his painting The Strawberry Basket, which sold for $26 million (about £21 million) at auction in 2022, was finally acquired by the Louvre in February 2024. Now, another fruit by the painter will be served up for bids soon.
Le melon entamé (The Cut Melon), painted in 1760, will be presented at Christie's Paris on 12 June and could potentially set a new record. The masterpiece, which is estimated to sell for €8-12 million (about £6-10 million), may far exceed its estimate given its significance.
See also: The Louvre Acquires Chardin's $26 Million Strawberry Basket
While still life remains Chardin's favourite subject, this piece presents a distinctive feature of a rare oval format. Some experts suggest that this format was chosen to mirror the round shape of the melon and "encapsulates all of Chardin’s magic: the balance of composition, light, colour, and shape," according to Pierre Étienne, Christie’s International Director of Old Master paintings.
The painting's provenance adds to its remarkable nature. The Cut Melon made its debut at the Salon of the Academy of Painting and Sculpture in 1761, alongside the renowned Strawberry Basket (1761). It subsequently came into the possession of Jacques Roettiers, a Parisian goldsmith who significantly contributed to Chardin's recognition in art history by organising numerous exhibitions dedicated to him. Following this, the painting transitioned through the esteemed Marcille collection before being purchased in 1875 by Nathaniel de Rothschild. It has since remained in the Rothschild family collection to this day.
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Now, one cannot help but ponder: will this painting depart from France, or will the Louvre contend to retain this 'national treasure' as it did for the Strawberry Basket?