A previously unseen Renoir masterpiece heads to auction after rediscovery

John Yang:

Finally tonight, a previously unknown work by one of the great French Impressionists has come to light and will soon go on the auction block.

John Yang (voice-over):

Delicate brushstrokes in vibrant colors. A child on his nanny's knee, playing with toys. It's the work of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, apparently one of a series done in the 1890s. The boy is one of his sons, Jean, who would become a great filmmaker. His nanny, Gabriel Renard, was a favorite model of Renoir's.

Pascal Perrin, Art Consultant (through interpreter):

We were particularly surprised by how fresh the painting was. In other words, it is a painting that has retained all of its colors perfectly, which has not been re canvassed, retouched or revarnished. So it is really in exceptional condition. And if you look closely at the canvas, you can see that there is still some loose canvas around the edges. No one has touched it, so the last person to have touched it was probably Renoir himself.

John Yang (voice-over):

Renoir gave it to his only student. It's been in her family ever since. Never exhibited, though versions are in museums in Washington, D.C. and Paris. In the late 19th century, Renoir had returned to Impressionism after trying other styles. He's known for intimate and candid portraits that use vibrant light and saturated colors.

Christophe Joron-Derem, Auctioneer (through interpreter):

It is exceptional because, first of all, it is a masterclass of intimacy. We see this very tender relationship between Jean and Gabrielle, who knows how to control the child so that Renoir can paint him. So Gabrielle is not just anyone. Gabrielle is not only Auguste Renoir's nanny, but also one of his great models. She posed for Renoir almost 200 times.

John Yang (voice-over):

The painting heads to auction in Paris at the end of the month.