In a chance discovery, the Ritz Paris renovation has uncovered a painting which is believed to be the work of 17th-century artist Charles Le Brun. Experts claim that the painter’s early work depicted the killing of Trojan princess Polyxena after she was mixed up in the death of Achilles and has been titled “The Sacrifice of Polyxena.”. Even though it seems it was created before the artist rose to fame, its value is immense, and it will be sold by Christie’s auctioneers and could raise up to $665,000. The proceeds will go to the foundation established by owner Mohamed Al Fayed in memory of his son Dodi, the late boyfriend of Princess Diana.
Though when the painting came to the hotel remains unknown, it is said to have adorned the suite of Coco Chanel for around 30 years. Olivier Lefeuvre found the painting, a Christie’s France specialist in the period, who came across it in July, a month before the Ritz closed its doors for a two-year renovation. One can only wonder what else the renovation may unearth!
[Luxuo]
