Quartet of Masterpieces by Monet, Signac, Degas, and Léger to Headline Sotheby's Spring Sale in London

The paintings have a combined high estimate of £24 million and will be on public display in New York and London before the auction.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A group of four masterpieces by renowned artists Claude Monet, Paul Signac, Edgar Degas, and Fernand Léger will be the highlights of Sotheby's Modern and Contemporary evening sale in London on March 4. The paintings, which have a combined high estimate of £24 million, will be on public display in New York and London before the auction.

Why it matters

This collection represents a significant moment in the history of modern art, spanning Impressionism, Pointillism, and Cubism. The appearance of Monet's rare Italian Riviera landscape coincides with the centenary of the artist's passing, prompting renewed attention on his work across museums and institutions worldwide. The inclusion of Signac's painting also comes amid a resurgence of interest in Neo-Impressionism.

The details

The four paintings include Monet's 'Maison de Jardinier' (1884), which has a high estimate of £8.5 million, Signac's 'Marseille, Le Port' (1934) and Léger's 'Les Hommes dans la Ville' (1919), both with a £6 million high estimate, and Degas' 'Scène de Ballet' (c.1885), with a high estimate of £3.5 million. The works will be on public display in New York from February 11-13 and in London from February 26 before the auction.

  • The Modern and Contemporary evening sale at Sotheby's London will take place on March 4, 2026.
  • The quartet of paintings will be on public display in New York from February 11-13, 2026.
  • The paintings will then be on display in London from February 26, 2026, before the auction.

The players

Claude Monet

A renowned French Impressionist painter known for his paintings of landscapes and gardens.

Paul Signac

A French Neo-Impressionist painter who was a leading figure in the Pointillist movement.

Edgar Degas

A French Impressionist painter famous for his depictions of ballet dancers and everyday life.

Fernand Léger

A French Cubist painter known for his bold, geometric paintings of modern life.

Sotheby's

A renowned international auction house that specializes in art, antiques, and collectibles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This collection represents a powerfully concentrated capsule of the history of modernism, spanning Impressionism, Pointillism and Cubism. Each work is a jewel, defined by exceptional quality, distinguished provenance, and an assured place within the canon of modern art.”

— Helena Newman, Sotheby's chairman of both Europe and impressionist and modern art (ARTnews)

What’s next

The quartet of paintings will be on public display in New York from February 11-13 and in London from February 26 before the Sotheby's Modern and Contemporary evening sale in London on March 4, 2026.

The takeaway

This upcoming Sotheby's auction represents a significant moment in the history of modern art, bringing together a remarkable collection of masterpieces by some of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The appearance of these works, particularly Monet's rare Italian landscape, is sure to generate significant interest and attention from art enthusiasts and collectors around the world.