Rembrandt’s Masterpiece on Paper Shatters Records with $17.9 Million Sale at Sotheby’s

On February 4, 2026, the art world witnessed a historic moment at Sotheby’s in New York as a rare sketch by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, titled "Young Lion at Rest," fetched a staggering $17.86 million. This monumental sale established a new global auction record for the Dutch master’s graphic works, obliterating the previous high of $3.7 million set back in 2000. Executed with black chalk, grey wash, and white heightening on paper washed with light brown, this piece dates back to the early 1620s. It now stands as the most valuable work on paper by Rembrandt ever to change hands at an auction.

The "Young Lion at Rest" is a work of exceptional rarity, being one of only six known lion sketches produced by Rembrandt. Crucially, it is the only such depiction of an animal currently remaining in private ownership. Its counterparts are housed within the world's most prestigious institutions, including the British Museum in London, the Louvre in Paris, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, and the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. Stylistically, the drawing is part of a series of three powerful sketches of the same beast created by the artist in the late 1630s, with the other two residing in the British Museum's permanent collection.

This masterpiece was previously a cornerstone of the renowned Leiden Collection, curated by Thomas S. Kaplan and his wife, Daphne Recanati Kaplan, for over two decades. The Leiden Collection is widely regarded as one of the most significant private assemblages of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish art, boasting no fewer than 17 paintings by Rembrandt. The sale of this specific drawing carries deep personal significance for Dr. Kaplan, as it was the very first Rembrandt work he ever acquired, representing a full-circle moment in his journey as a collector.

The financial proceeds from this record-breaking transaction are destined for a noble cause, benefiting Panthera, a non-profit organization established in 2006 by Dr. Thomas S. Kaplan and Dr. Alan Rabinowitz. As a leading global force in wildlife conservation, Panthera is dedicated to the protection of 40 species of wild cats and their natural habitats, including iconic predators such as lions, tigers, and jaguars. These funds will bolster science-based initiatives designed to foster coexistence between human populations and wild cats while safeguarding critical landscapes across approximately 40 countries on four continents.

This philanthropic gesture is particularly timely, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Panthera’s founding. By leveraging the value of a 17th-century masterpiece to protect modern-day wildlife, the sale bridges the gap between art history and environmental stewardship. The initiative ensures that the legacy of Rembrandt's "Young Lion" contributes directly to the survival of its living descendants in the wild, reinforcing the organization's mission during this milestone year.

During the 17th century, Amsterdam served as a beacon of political and religious tolerance, a vibrant metropolis where up to sixty percent of the population consisted of immigrants. The lion, serving as a potent symbol of the nascent Dutch state, frequently appeared in Rembrandt’s etchings and drawings, often linked to themes of exile and sanctuary. These North African lions were typically transported to the Netherlands via Dutch East India Company vessels and were showcased at public fairs, such as those held at Waterlooplein, located conveniently near the artist’s own residence.