Unforeseen Rembrandt Masterpiece Fetches Astonishing $14 Million at Auction
A seemingly ordinary painting, once appraised at $15,000, astoundingly revealed its true worth when recognized as an authentic masterpiece by renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt Recently sold for a staggering $14 million, this extraordinary discovery captivates art enthusiasts worldwide
The article has been updated to include the final sale price and additional details from the conclusion of the auction.
A painting that was valued at $15,000 only two years ago sold for almost £11 million ($13.8 million) at a Sothebys auction on Wednesday after being identified as the work of the Dutch master Rembrandt.
"Adoration of the Kings" had been rarely seen since it surfaced in the 1950s. It was purchased by collector J.C.H. Heldring in Amsterdam in 1955 and later sold to a German family in 1985. Two years ago, Christies sold it in Amsterdam, attributing the biblical scene to the "Circle of Rembrandt" and estimating its value at between â¬10,000 and â¬15,000 (then around $10,600 to $15,900).
Extensive tests revealed changes that Rembrandt had made to the painting.
A monochromatic painting measuring 9.6 x 7.3 inches was sold at Christies for â¬860,000 (approximately $910,000) to an unidentified buyer, fetching over 50 times its estimated value at the time. Prior to the sale, Sothebys released a press statement identifying the Dutch painter's work as "of great significance".
Following the consignment by an unknown buyer, Sothebys initiated an extensive 18-month research venture to authenticate and determine the true value of the painting.
Utilizing X-rays, infrared imaging, and extensive consultations with renowned Rembrandt experts, the investigation led Sothebys to determine that the painting is "an authentic piece by Rembrandt." Before the auction, the estimated value of the artwork was set at £10 million to £15 million ($12.6 million to $18.8 million).
The auction house believes it was painted early in Rembrandts career, around 1628, when he would have been aged 21 or 22 and living in the Dutch city of Leiden.
A rare find
Most of Rembrandt's works are displayed in museums globally, with almost all pieces auctioned in the last thirty years being portraits or character studies, as stated in Sothebys' release. George Gordon, co-chairman of Old Master Paintings Worldwide at Sothebys, described "Adoration of the Kings" as a "fantastic opportunity" in the art world, prior to the sale, as it depicts the Three Wise Men and baby Jesus meeting.
During a phone interview with CNN, he expressed, "This is particularly noteworthy as it contributes to our comprehension of Rembrandt at a pivotal stage in his growth and career, when his ambition was evident and his artistic skills were rapidly advancing."
The painting was first recorded in the 1714 inventory of Constantijn Ranst, a collector in Amsterdam. It was subsequently put up for sale in 1814 and 1822, after which it vanished from public sight until the mid-20th century.
Looking beyond the typical tourist souvenirs, the Rembrandt museum in Amsterdam is giving visitors the unique opportunity to get a tattoo of the master's work. The painting in question had been previously included in museum exhibitions and attributed to Rembrandt by renowned scholars. However, it was later dismissed as a product of the Rembrandt School and overlooked in the Rembrandt literature, leaving its true authenticity in question.
Gordon informed CNN that bidders at the 2021 Christies auction "likely believed it exceeded the description and could possibly be a Rembrandt."
Sothebys inspection uncovered several alterations and revisions made by Rembrandt, including to the halo of baby Jesus and the headdress of the Virgin Mary, as reported by the auction house.
Scientists have discovered a hidden element in Leonardo da Vinci's artworks. This exciting revelation opens up opportunities for private collectors or institutions.
Rembrandt's painting is a masterful blend of his artistic skill and intellectual depth. The visible surface and underlying layers of the late 1620s piece showcase his distinctive style, with scientific analysis uncovering multiple changes made during its creation. This offers new insight into the artist's thought process.
