NEW YORK: Demi Moore is selling two 19th century European paintings at auction, including a French work that the actress says inspired her because of the artist's depiction of strong women. 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. Bouguereau was awarded the Prix de Rome in 1850, which enabled him to travel throughout Italy. His study of classical sculpture is evident in the pose the figure strikes and the drape of her skirt in the large work, which measures 6 feet (2 meters) by nearly 3 feet (nearly a meter).
