A 400-year-old masterpiece that only came to light during a renovation at Paris’s Ritz hotel has been sold for $1.88 million to New York’s Metropolitan Museum.
The painting by 17th century artist Charles Le Brun (1619-1690) had adorned one of the suites in which fashion designer Coco Chanel lived for more than 30 years.
Its presence came as news to hotel management when it was discovered in July 2012, a month before the Ritz closed its doors for a two-year renovation.
“The Met does not yet have a work by Charles Le Brun (so) this completes its collection of 17th century paintings,” said Christie’s expert Olivier Lefeuvre.
The painting is expected to go on display in New York from the end of May.
Proceeds from the sale will go to the foundation established by Ritz owner Mohamed Al Fayed in memory of his son Dodi, the late boyfriend of Princess Diana.
