Van Gogh painting 'Chataigniers En Fleurs' to be auctioned for estimated $180 million

Vincent van Gogh's 1890 painting 'Chataigniers En Fleurs' (Chestnut Trees in Blossom) is set to be sold at a Sotheby's auction in New York on November 18. The auction house estimates the artwork's value at 180 million dollars, with a final price including buyer's premium expected to reach 207 million dollars. If achieved, this sale would set a new record for a Van Gogh painting, far surpassing the 117 million dollars paid for 'Verger avec cyprès' at Christie's in 2022.

The painting is part of a series of eight landscapes created during the artist’s period in Auvers-sur-Oise, out of 50 total works produced in that location. It is currently owned by the Blaquier-Arrieta collection, which also holds Cezanne’s 'Arlequin,' valued at approximately 120 million dollars. According to reports from The Independent, both pieces have remained in private hands and have not been publicly exhibited for over 50 years.

This upcoming sale marks a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a significant piece from the artist’s late career that has been shielded from the public eye for half a century. Following the auction, the proceeds will be managed by the current owners as the piece transitions into new possession.