Paris · 30 May 1881 · 2 Vermeer lots
The Léopold Double Sale
Léopold Double (1812–1881) was one of the most admired French collectors of his day, and had acquired his Vermeer through the critic Thoré-Bürger. His collection was sold in Paris on 30 May 1881, where The Astronomer went to the dealer Léon Gauchez, on its way to the Rothschilds and the Louvre, and Officer and Laughing Girl was bought by Gauchez for Prince Demidoff.
A celebrated Paris collection
Léopold Double (1812–1881) was among the most admired French collectors of his generation, and had acquired his Vermeer through the critic Thoré-Bürger, the man who rediscovered the painter. His collection was sold in Paris on 30 May 1881 under the auctioneer Charles Pillet.
The Astronomer was bought by the dealer Léon Gauchez, on its way to the Rothschilds and the Louvre, while Officer and Laughing Girl was secured by Gauchez for Prince Demidoff of San Donato.
Vermeer in the sale
| Lot | Work | Buyer | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Léon Gauchez, for Prince Demidoff | 8,800 francs | |
| 17 | Léon Gauchez | — |
