William Bouguereau's
"Frere et Soeur," an oil painting of a young woman tenderly holding
her baby brother, could fetch up to $1.5 million at Sotheby's on Nov. 4.
It was
painted in 1887 by the French artist, whose work is enjoying renewed interest.
Moore's other painting, "Mere et Ses Enfants" by Belgian painter
Alfred Stevens, is estimated to bring up to $200,000. While she loves both
paintings, Moore said, "with the renovation and new direction our home is
taking, it is time for a change."
The actress acquired the works in 1995
at a Christie's auction, paying $178,500 for "Frere et Soeur" and
$200,500 for the Stevens painting. "I find Bouguereau to be particularly
engaging for me personally and have chosen to hold on to a smaller piece to
carry with me throughout the years," said the star known for her work in such
films as "Ghost," "Indecent Proposal" and "A Few Good Men."
Moore, who has
appeared nude on the cover of Vanity Fair while pregnant and is married to
actor Ashton Kutcher, said she was particularly inspired by Bougeureau's depiction
of women «with incredible strength.» Bouguereau was awarded the Prix de Rome in
1850, which enabled him to travel throughout Italy.
