Top Lots at October Bonhams Sale: Monet’s Giverny Landscape and Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita’s Dog Carnival Take Center Stage
Bonhams’ much-anticipated 20th and 21st Century Art Evening Sale on October 16, 2025, at its London headquarters promises an electrifying showcase of masterworks from iconic artists of the modern era. Among the 15 marquee lots, two particularly stand out: Claude Monet’s enchanting La route de Giverny (1885) and Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita’s whimsical Carnaval des Chiens (1922).
This sale offers a rare opportunity to engage with influential pieces that not only embody their respective creators’ genius but also illuminate pivotal moments in art history. The event attracts collectors, curators, and art aficionados from around the world, sparking conversations about provenance, artistic innovation, and the cultural legacies embedded in these treasured works.
Monet’s La route de Giverny: An Iconic Ode to Nature
Claude Monet, the progenitor of Impressionism, found both home and inspiration in the village of Giverny, Normandy. The La route de Giverny painting captures a meandering country lane enveloped by lush greenery and serene light—a quintessential example of Monet’s en plein air technique which revolutionized landscape painting.
This 1885 masterpiece embodies Monet’s sensitivity to atmosphere and color, translating the sensory experience of place into breathtaking brushwork. As one of the few privately held early Giverny scenes expected to come to market, the work carries a pre-auction estimate between $2 million and $2.7 million, reflecting its rarity and significance Bonhams Sale Preview.
Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita's Carnaval des Chiens: A Playful Masterpiece
Complementing Monet’s poetic naturalism is a 1922 creation by Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita titled Carnaval des Chiens (Dog Carnival), a captivating composition depicting nine dogs, including two charmingly donned in human attire. Painted during Foujita’s fruitful Parisian period, this work showcases his exquisite blend of Japanese techniques with Western modernism.
Acquired by the current owner's family during the year of its exhibition at the Salon de la Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Carnaval des Chiens reflects Foujita’s interest in subjects that combine whimsy with refined draftsmanship, bridging cultural narratives between East and West.
Its pre-sale value matches Monet’s work, estimated between $2 million and $2.7 million, underscoring its artistic and collector esteem ArtNews Coverage.
Other Notable Lots to Watch
The auction also features Anselm Kiefer’s dramatic mixed-media piece Urim and Tumim, depicting a lead boat battered by waves, estimated at $600,000 to $870,000. Kiefer’s work articulates themes of history and mythology with a monumental intensity, echoing larger contemporary art trends Kiefer at Bonhams.
Another highlight is Howard Hodgkin’s vibrant abstract portrait Mrs. Acton in Delhi, imbued with warmth and complexity, expected to realize up to $1.1 million. Hodgkin’s hallmark blend of color and emotion offers a compelling counterpoint to the other modern and contemporary highlights Howard Hodgkin Spotlight.
The Significance of the 20th & 21st Century Bonhams Auction
The Bonhams Autumn sales are regarded as key fixtures in the international art scene, celebrated for their blend of rare modern masterworks and dynamic contemporary pieces. With this sale, Bonhams reinforces its reputation as a platform where historical legacy and future trends intersect, presenting a nuanced dialogue across decades and mediums.
Both Monet and Foujita represent pivotal figures in their respective spheres—Impressionism and transnational modernism—offering collectors a chance to own and engage with art that shaped the course of visual expression globally.
Where to Learn More and Participate
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For full auction listings, images, and updates, visit the official Bonhams 20th and 21st Century Art Sale page.
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Learn about Monet’s revolutionary Impressionism and its lasting influence on art history through museums like the Musée d’Orsay.
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Discover Foujita’s bridging of Eastern and Western art traditions on The Art Institute of Chicago’s artist page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When and where is the Bonhams 20th & 21st Century Art Evening Sale?
A1: It takes place on October 16, 2025, at Bonhams’ London headquarters.
Q2: What are the top highlighted artworks?
A2: Claude Monet’s La route de Giverny and Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita’s Carnaval des Chiens, both estimated between $2 million and $2.7 million.
Q3: Are there other notable works in the auction?
A3: Yes, including Anselm Kiefer’s Urim and Tumim and Howard Hodgkin’s Mrs. Acton in Delhi.
Q4: What is significant about Monet’s La route de Giverny?
A4: It is a rare, privately held early landscape painting capturing Monet’s signature en plein air style.
Q5: How does Foujita’s Carnaval des Chiens reflect his artistic career?
A5: It represents Foujita’s fusion of Japanese techniques with Parisian modernism and his distinct whimsical subjects.
Q6: How can one view or bid on the artworks?
A6: Interested parties should consult the auction catalog and register via Bonhams’ official online platform.
The approaching Bonhams auction offers a unique vantage point to witness history and innovation coalesce through singular artworks. From Monet’s luminous roadways of Giverny to Foujita’s playful canine crowd, collectors and admirers face an extraordinary opportunity to experience the enduring power of artistic mastery.