An unpublished painting by the renowned French artist Claude Monet, titled "Iris," is set to be auctioned by Sotheby's on October 22. The estimated price for the painting is 22 million euros, making it the highest price ever assigned to a painting at auction in France. The artwork, created near the end of Monet's life, has never been publicly displayed and is part of the Schlumberger collection, considered one of the most significant private collections of Impressionist and modern art ever sold in France. This collection was assembled in the mid-20th century by Jeanne Schlumberger, with the help of her friend and gallery owner Katia Granoff, who is credited with being the first dealer to recognize the value of Monet’s later works. The Schlumberger collection includes several notable pieces. Among them is a wall composition of three paintings by Paul Cézanne, including "La ferme," which is expected to sell for between 600,000 and 800,000 euros. Another Monet painting, "Saule pleureur ou l'Arbre de feu," created between 1918 and 1919, is estimated to fetch between nine and twelve million euros. The collection also features works by artists such as Gustave Moreau, Pierre Bonnard, Camille Claudel, and others. These paintings showcase a wide range of styles and periods in modern art. "Iris" stands out not only for its high estimate but also for its artistic value. Thomas Bompard, vice president at Sotheby's France and director of the Schlumberger sale, noted that Monet's later works, including "Iris," have a unique appeal, drawing in younger collectors who also own pieces by contemporary artists like Basquiat, Rothko, and Warhol. Marianne Mathieu, an expert in Impressionist art, highlighted that "Iris" and "Saule pleureur" offer a rare glimpse into Monet's final artistic endeavors and are exceptionally well-preserved. The auction takes place in the year marking the 100th anniversary of Monet’s death on December 5, 1926. This year has seen two major exhibitions in Paris: "Monet, peindre le temps" and "Histoires de paysages, de Monet à Hockney." Jeanne Schlumberger’s heirs decided that the current market conditions and the significance of the centenary made it an ideal time to present their ancestor's collection. Bompard also noted that another Monet painting, though less prominent, sold for over ten million euros earlier in the year. Collectors from across the globe, including Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East, are expected to participate in the auction. Additionally, "Iris," "Saule pleureur," and "La ferme" have been designated as "national treasures," a classification that encourages the French government to consider acquiring them within 30 months.