The article recounts the fascinating history of a 17th-century still life painting by Jan Davidsz de Heem, originally sold for $5.5 million in Rome under secretive circumstances. Now part of the Saunders' collection, this artwork is expected to fetch between $8 million and $12 million at a Sotheby's auction featuring around 60 Old Master works. The collection is projected to raise between $80 million and $120 million, marking a record for single-owner sales. This sale follows the Saunders' consideration of inheritance planning for their grandchildren.
Twenty-five years ago in Rome, a man lugged a painting in a rubbish bag up a flight of stairs and sold it for $5.5m.
The De Heem, now estimated to sell for between $8m and $12m, is one of around 60 Old Master paintings... that will be sold at Sotheby's.
Guaranteed by Sotheby's for a total estimated value of between $80m and $120m, it is the most valuable single owner collection of Old Master paintings ever to appear at auction.
The reason for selling comes down to inheritance planning - the Saunders have a number of grandchildren.
Collection
[
|
...
]