Back to latest news

A Monet Painting Sells for €50 Million

The price is higher than expected.

Your learning

Loading your learning…

Culture news editorial illustration for Monet's Iris Sells for €50 Million at French Auction

Beginner support · Translation help

Read with help in your language

Choose a language to see each paragraph translated below the English. Tap highlighted words for a quick meaning.

for €50 on . the on 23.

It was to for €22 to €30 . it was the for at in .

An is a a ; the is the . A the of the . A for in is a for in the .

Source: Sources checked 26 October 2026.

Read · Think · Practise

Try this story

Try 2 questions about this story, then explain one idea in your own words. Check the text whenever you need to.

Print a worksheet · Teacher guide & answers

Read and understand · 1/2What does exceeding the estimate mean?

Read the answer and explanation

The result was above the pre-sale range. An estimate is not the final transaction price.

Clue: An estimate is a guide before a sale; the sale price is the result. A result can exceed the top of the estimate. A record for auctions in France is also narrower than a record for every sale in the world.

Read and understand · 2/2Which claim would go beyond the reported record?

Read the answer and explanation

The highest price in every worldwide art sale. The reported record is restricted to French auctions.

Clue: An estimate is a guide before a sale; the sale price is the result. A result can exceed the top of the estimate. A record for auctions in France is also narrower than a record for every sale in the world.

Your turn

Explain the two limits in the phrase “auction record in France”.

See one possible answer

It concerns auctions rather than every kind of sale. It also concerns France rather than the whole world.

Your answer can be different. Give a reason and use your own words.

0 of 2 questions checked.

Tell us what helped or felt difficult

Which reading level did you try? Was a sentence unclear? Did the questions help you understand the story?

Send feedback by email

Your three-minute English break

A little English in your inbox.

One short story, one useful phrase, one quick question. Free, up to twice a week.