PHILADELPHIA — Blue chip artist. An exceptional and beautiful example of the artist’s oeuvre with a documented history of ownership. Previously known but comparatively fresh to the market. Extensive publication and exhibition history. William-Adolphe Bouguereaus (French, 1825-1905) “La La Fleur Préférée / “L’Odorat” (“The Favorite Flower” / “The Smell”) checked all those boxes and earned $403,200. The result was within expectations and the top price when it was offered in Freeman’s European Art & Old Masters auction on February 14.

“It was a beautiful painting and did well. It was well-known, which garnered interest and competitive bidding,” said David Weiss, Freeman’s senior vice president and head of sale for its European art and Old Masters department. The sale, which offered 77 lots, was more than 85 percent sold by lot and realized a total of $1.12 million.

Prices quoted include the buyer’s premium; a more extensive review of the sale will appear in an upcoming issue.