A sharp-eyed British art collector saw a painting the auction house believed to be a “Rembrandt knockoff” valued at $3,100. He paid $4,500,000. Now that those in the know have looked it over closely, they say it could have sold for $40 million, because it is not a knockoff. It’s a unique self-protrait of the great Rembrandt. I love it.
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They valued it at $3,100 and he paid $4,500,000? How did that happen?
I don’t know how these auctions work. Maybe a few people bid it up for various reasons, or maybe another person thought it looked original too, but didn’t have or want to spend more than $4.5M.
I walked into a Dutch Masters art exhibit decades ago, meaning just to pass some time. But the art stopped me in my tracks, especially the Rembrandt pictures. The “presence” was almost staggering, and entirely unexpected. The good humor was the finishing touch. I had no idea art could be that good, in both senses of the word. I have felt at least somewhat indebted to Rembrandt ever since.
I hadn’t seen this story. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Ahh…
The one that got away!
A most illusive fish, indeed…
It is refreshing to know treasures on this planet are still to be found.