Two paintings by French Impressionist Claude Monet led a Sotheby’s Paris sale of modern and contemporary art on Thursday that racked up €35 million ($41 million). That figure is up more than 84 percent on the equivalent sale from last year and exceeds the pre-sale estimate of €22.4–€32.1 million ($26.6–$37.8 million). The total was the house’s second-highest ever in France for a sale in the category. Nearly 63 percent of lots sold above their high estimates, and 66 percent of lots were making their auction debut.  “Today’s results mark a defining moment for Sotheby’s and for Paris more widely,” Thomas Bompard, co-head of modern and contemporary art, Sotheby’s Paris, said in a statement. “From the extraordinary Monet prices achieved, to the electric atmosphere and spirited bidding that animated a packed saleroom, the auction captured a market alive with confidence as collectors from around the world leaned in, competed, and ultimately turned their eyes once again to Paris.” Related Articles The sale was led by Monet’s Vétheuil, effet du matin (1901), which, at €10.2 million ($12.1 …