Newly Attributed Monet Study 'Les Pêcheurs de Poissy' Unveiled in Rome

A previously unknown study by Claude Monet, 'Les Pêcheurs de Poissy', has been identified and is now on display at the Museo Storico della Fanteria in Rome as part of the exhibition 'Impressionisti. L’alba della modernità'. The work, owned by a private Parisian collection, was purchased from the Vaudoyer gallery. Experts Caterina Berlinguer and Professor Alberto Bertuzzi confirmed its authenticity through material analysis (canvas, ground, pigments), stylistic and semiotic examination of brushwork, and documentary research. Archival findings in Paris revealed the painting likely belonged to English collector Alex Reid, son of a framer who worked at Theo Van Gogh's gallery and later opened his own gallery in England. A catalogue by Luigina Bortolatto cited another version of 'Les Pêcheurs de Poissy' in a private English collection. The study is considered preparatory for the final painting housed at the Belvedere Museum in Vienna. Monet often did not sign studies; his son later used a stamp to authenticate works. The discovery confirms Monet's practice of painting en plein air and completing works later in his studio. The painting will be exhibited in Freiburg alongside the Viennese masterpiece. Berlinguer recently joined the acquisitions committee of the Impressionist collection 'Peindre en Normandie'.