Auction date set for Monet painting at Union League Club of Chicago
A small Claude Monet painting that had been at The Union League Club of Chicago for almost 130 years is set to go on the auction block Nov. 19.Until recently, Monet's "Pommiers en Fleurs," (apple trees in blossom) had been on display just off the stairwell on the second floor.It was among the most valuable paintings in the club's extensive art collection — and the only Monet among works mostly devoted to American artists, said Frank DeVincentis, first vice president of the club's board. In spring 1895, the piece was on display at the Art Institute of Chicago. It caught the attention of club member John Barton Payne, who bought it and sold it the club, which is located at 65 W. Jackson.The club's board voted to sell the painting in Dec. 2020."No one is excited to see it go, but there are just realities that we need to face as an organization and the improvement to the facilities and giving back to our membership is just all the more important," DeVincentis told the Sun-Times on Monday. "It's been a cherished part of the club's renowned collection and an icon ... but we believe we're entering a new era and our commitment to membership remains the highest priority."The club, like many others across the city and around the country, was hit hard by the pandemic."Membership declined in the wake of COVID. For the past 18 months, it's been on the rise, which is a great thing," DeVincentis said.Christie's Auction House in New York is handling the sale.
A small Claude Monet painting that had been at The Union League Club of Chicago for almost 130 years is set to go on the auction block Nov. 19.
Until recently, Monet's "Pommiers en Fleurs," (apple trees in blossom) had been on display just off the stairwell on the second floor.
It was among the most valuable paintings in the club's extensive art collection — and the only Monet among works mostly devoted to American artists, said Frank DeVincentis, first vice president of the club's board.
In spring 1895, the piece was on display at the Art Institute of Chicago. It caught the attention of club member John Barton Payne, who bought it and sold it the club, which is located at 65 W. Jackson.
The club's board voted to sell the painting in Dec. 2020.
"No one is excited to see it go, but there are just realities that we need to face as an organization and the improvement to the facilities and giving back to our membership is just all the more important," DeVincentis told the Sun-Times on Monday. "It's been a cherished part of the club's renowned collection and an icon ... but we believe we're entering a new era and our commitment to membership remains the highest priority."
The club, like many others across the city and around the country, was hit hard by the pandemic.
"Membership declined in the wake of COVID. For the past 18 months, it's been on the rise, which is a great thing," DeVincentis said.
Christie's Auction House in New York is handling the sale.
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