Rembrandt’s Portrait of Arnout Tholinx Breaks Record for Old Master Prints at Auction
In a groundbreaking moment for the art world, Rembrandt’s portrait of Arnout Tholinx, a former inspector of the Medical Colleges of Amsterdam, has set a new record for Old Master prints at auction. The piece sold for an astounding £3.1 million ($4.1 million) at Christie’s London on December 3. This significant sale reflects both the rarity of the work and the enduring allure of Rembrandt’s mastery in printmaking.
During the 1650s, Rembrandt found himself in financial distress, with dwindling commissions and rising debts. However, he managed to secure work from Amsterdam’s medical community, leading to the creation of this remarkable portrait. This particular piece has been acclaimed not only for its artistic brilliance but also for its historical significance. Rembrandt skillfully captured Tholinx’s expression and the details of his profession, with the print showcasing an array of medical instruments, books, and flasks.
Remarkably obscure and rare, this print was a personal commission, with Rembrandt producing only a limited number of copies. After their creation, these were presented to Tholinx along with the copper plate, which has since been lost. The copy auctioned at Christie’s is the last one privately owned, with others residing in prestigious institutions such as the Rijksmuseum and the British Museum.
The portrait’s previous auction appearance was 101 years ago at Christie’s, when it was sold by John Edward Rudge, inheritor of an extensive print collection. At that time, it also set a record, achieving £3,760, equivalent to approximately $390,000 today.
The recent auction was part of the Sam Josefowitz collection, a Lithuanian-American entrepreneur whose passion for art was fueled by the success of his mail-order business. The sale featured over 100 of Josefowitz’s Rembrandt prints, totaling £8.6 million ($11.4 million). Other notable sales included “Christ Presented to the People” (1655) for £952,500 ($1.3 million) and “Christ Healing the Sick” (ca. 1648) for £698,500 ($972,000).
Tim Schmelcher, a specialist in prints and multiples at Christie’s London, emphasized the significance of the new auction record, stating, “These results are a powerful affirmation of the extraordinary strength of the prints market, highlighting the enduring appeal of Rembrandt’s genius in printmaking.”
This auction not only highlights the timeless appeal of Rembrandt’s work but also underscores the vibrancy and resilience of the art market, continuing to captivate collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
