Spoliation Information for Monet, Claude - 'Break-up of the ice on the Seine, near Bennecourt' c. 1892-93

'Débâcle de la Seine, Prés Bennecourt'

Dimensions: 65 x 100cm (25.59" x 39.37")

Acquisition: Bought from Wildenstein in 1962.
Reference: WAG 6133.

PROVENANCE

Durand Ruel, dealer, Paris (1)
Albert Pra's heirs sold at Charpentier 17 June 1938 lot 43
Georges Bernheim by 1939 (2)
Georges and Jacques Seligmann, Place Vendôme, Paris
By April 1945 'on loan' from Jacques Seligmann and Co. New York to Galerie Wildenstein, New York (3)
Sold by Mrs. M. Thompson-Biddle through Charpentier, Paris, 14 June 1957 lot 26

QUESTIONS IN THE OPERATIVE PERIOD

• Relationship between Ruel and painting? Location? Date?
• Acquired by Pra?
• Bernheim purchased at Charpentier?
• Bernheim sold?
• Acquired/sold Seligmann - dates?
• Acquired by Thompson-Biddle, date?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. Durand Ruel archives include a photo of WAG 6133 but no indication of when the picture first came to them, though a letter in Walker files suggests that it came to them on consignment from another dealer at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1895 Durand Ruel exhibited 2 Bennecourt ice scenes (out of a series of about 14) one of which was owned by Henri Vever, the other was returned to Monet.
2. Acquired at or soon after the Pra sale according to information from Wildenstein's.
3. Painting featured as no 35 in (?catalogue of ) Wildenstein's Monet Exhibition.