Anonymous "Interior scene" probably work by Charles de Groux

Rops, from Belgium, sells on 29 January 2017 an Interior scene, described as "oil on panel", 70 by 55 cm, estimated at 80 to 120 Euro.

It is a very nice drawing (painting?) with some labels on the back which identify it as a work by Charles de Groux (or Degroux) (1825-1870), an originally French artist who worked and lived in Belgium, and was a student of François-Joseph Navez. He worked as an engraver and lithographer, as well as a painter (often in watercolour). He was an early Social Realist and the teacher of Constantin Meunier and father of Symbolist painter Henry de Groux, and thus an important figure in mid-19th century art in Brussels.

The labels on the back describe this work as by Charles de Groux and call it "In the workshop". It looks like the house of a wealthy art lover, mainly interested in older art and antiques. The labels are from Galerie Georges Giroux, which existed from 1912 to 1960 and was at the time one of the most important galleries in Brussels, introducing avant-garde artists like Kandinsky (in 1912 already!). It also sold a lot of 19th century works, and the art of De Groux would have fitted perfectly in the gallery.  

Here is an example of some auction catalogues for the gallery, where works by father and son De Groux were included, and this is an example of a work by Charles, now in the Musée d'Orsay, which was sold through Giroux as well.

The work for sale is finely detailed, not just some sketch but a large scale stand-alone drawing which, even as an anonymous work, seems underestimated. The subject, a 19th century collector of old Flemish art, should also appeal to many readers of this blog. Paintings by De Groux easily fetch 3,000 to 10,000 Euro, so this work should be worth about 1,000 Euro. 

UPDATE: sold for 600 Euro, a lot more reasonable than the estimate of 80 Euro.