A rare painting by famous French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir has been sold for $1.68 million at an auction in Paris. The painting, called Child with Toys – Gabrielle and the Artist’s Son, Jean, was auctioned on November 25, 2025, at the Drouot auction house.
The artwork was painted around 1895 and shows Renoir’s young son, Jean Renoir, sitting next to his nursemaid, Gabrielle Renard. Gabrielle worked for the family for many years and appeared in many of Renoir’s paintings. The scene in the artwork shows a warm and gentle moment from their everyday life.
Auctioneer Christophe Joron-Derem described the painting as a “masterpiece of intimacy.” He said the artwork gives people a close look into Renoir’s family life, something not often seen in many of his other paintings.
The painting has a special history. Renoir gave it as a gift to Jeanne Baudot, the only student he ever taught. Jeanne was also a close friend of the family. Her family kept the painting for more than 100 years, and this is the first time it appeared at an auction.
Art experts said the painting is in very good condition. The colours are still bright, and the artwork has not needed any major repairs. This made the piece even more attractive to collectors.
Although the selling price is lower than some record-breaking Impressionist paintings sold in recent years, art experts say this painting is valuable because of its emotional meaning. It shows a personal moment between a child and his caregiver, captured by one of the most important artists in history. Jean Renoir, the child in the painting, later became one of France’s most famous film directors.
The successful sale shows that art lovers are still interested not only in big, well-known masterpieces but also in smaller, more personal works. For many collectors, the story behind the painting is just as important as the painting itself. This Renoir artwork offers both beauty and history, making it a special piece in the world of art auctions.
