France

A Louis XV period rococo commode made in 1744 for the Château de Versailles has returned home after more than 30 years out of France.

At a €2.7m (£2.45m) hammer price, a 17th century Flemish flower painting was the toast of the Old Master picture results in Paris this year. It was also the highest price recorded at the Drouot auction centre so far for 2019.

In September the Paris auction scene wakes up from its long summer slumber to get back into action for the approaching autumn and winter season.

A selection of art and antiques events taking place in Paris in September.

'La Biennale Paris' and 'Parcours des Mondes' bring the dealing scene in the French capital back to life after summer slumbers, while auction houses also rise to the occasion. We take an early glimpse at what will be on offer for the visitor in September.

September will be a key date in the diary for the French auction firm Osenat, which has announced its expansion with an extra venue and several new departments.

The painting dubbed the ‘Toulouse Caravaggio’ that was snubbed by the Louvre in Paris could now go on show in a museum after a private sale.

Asian auction series now take place around the world throughout the year in the major centres of the art market. Paris held its latest staging this month at the beginning of the French capital’s Temps Fort or high season.

On July 3-4 French auction firm Rossini will be holding a sale entirely dedicated to fans when it offers the collection of Michel Maignan.

Folk art (or art populaire as it is known in France) has gained an increased following over the years.

Giorgio de Chirico’s 'Nudo dormiente', c.1930, is among the works included in Galerie Alexis Pentcheff’s erotic art exhibition 'Qriosa: Secret Room of Indecent Objects', where it is offered for €200,000.

A remarkable example of 16th century cross-culture art – a feather ‘mosaic’ picture made in Mexico for Christian conquerors – has been purchased at auction by the Musée du Quai Branly.