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A "forgotten" painting kept in the same family for generations has sold for 7.68 million euros ($9.1 million) at auction after experts discovered it was the work of French painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard.

"A philosopher reading" by Fragonard was spotted by Antoine Petit, an auctioneer at the Enchères Champagne auction house in Épernay, north-east France, when he was called to assess an inheritance at an apartment near the town, he told CNN Tuesday.

Petit saw the painting -- measuring 45.8 by 57 centimeters (18 by 22.4 inches) -- high on a wall covered in dust.

"I thought it was beautiful," he said.

After taking the painting down to examine it more closely, he found the word "Fragonard" written on the back in black ink, added Petit.

The owners, who'd had the painting in the family for generations without it being included in any will, gave it to Petit, who took it to be assessed by Cabinet Turquin, a Paris-based company of painting experts.

The owners had no idea of its value, said Petit, but enthusiastic bidders pushed the final sale price far beyond the estimate of 1.5 - 2 million euros ($1.8 - 2.4 million).

Petit declined to name the successful buyer.

Fragonard lived from 1732-1806 and is considered one of the most emblematic painters of the 18th century.