Rembrandt Lion Cub: Record €12M Sale

A chalk drawing by Rembrandt van Rijn has sold for €12.7 million at Sotheby’s in New York, setting a new record for any drawing by the artist. The previous record for a Rembrandt drawing stood at €3.7 million.

A Masterpiece realised

The sketch, titled Resting Young Lion, was created between 1638, and 1642. Remarkably, the drawing is only slightly larger than a modern smartphone. Last year, the artwork was displayed at the H’ART museum in Amsterdam before being offered at auction.

A Passionate Collector and a Charitable Cause

The seller of the drawing is Thomas S. Kaplan, an American historian and billionaire. Kaplan has been a devoted admirer of Rembrandt since youth and currently owns seventeen paintings by the Dutch master. He originally purchased the Resting Young Lion in 2005.

Did You Know? Rembrandt created 15 surviving drawings of animals, with lions appearing in six of them – an unusual subject for 17th-century Netherlands.

The proceeds from the sale will be donated to Panthera, a foundation co-founded by Kaplan dedicated to the conservation of lions, tigers, and other big cats and their habitats. Kaplan stated, “I have only one passion that is greater than my passion for Rembrandt: the protection of wild animals.”

A Rare Offering

According to Sotheby’s, the auction was particularly noteworthy because it was the first time in decades that such an important drawing by an Old Master had been offered for sale. The identity of the buyer has not been disclosed.

Expert Insight: The record-breaking sale underscores the enduring appeal of Rembrandt’s work and the continued strength of the art market for exceptional pieces by established masters. The philanthropic element, with proceeds benefiting wildlife conservation, adds another layer of significance to this transaction.

The Context of Rembrandt’s Animal Studies

Rembrandt’s animal drawings were likely inspired by exotic animals occasionally exhibited at markets in Amsterdam. These markets, held on what is now Waterlooplein, were a short two-minute walk from Rembrandt’s home on Jodenbreestraat. It is highly probable that the artist seized the opportunity to study these impressive creatures firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Resting Young Lion created?

Rembrandt van Rijn created the sketch Resting Young Lion between 1638 and 1642.

Who sold the drawing?

The drawing was sold by Thomas S. Kaplan, an American historian and billionaire.

Where will the proceeds from the sale go?

The proceeds from the sale will be donated to Panthera, a foundation dedicated to the conservation of big cats and their habitats.

How might this sale influence the market for other works by Rembrandt and his contemporaries?