Rembrandt's Lion Sketch Sells for Record $17.8 Million at Sotheby's

Historic Auction Shatters Records for Dutch Master's Work

A small chalk sketch by Dutch Golden Age master Rembrandt van Rijn has sold for a staggering $17.86 million (€15.2 million) at Sotheby's New York auction house, setting a new world record for any drawing by the artist. The 115x150mm work titled Young Lion Resting shattered the previous record of $3.7 million for a Rembrandt drawing, making it one of the most significant art sales of 2026.

From Private Collection to Conservation Cause

The drawing was sold by American billionaire historian Thomas S. Kaplan, who acquired it in 2005 as his first Rembrandt purchase. Kaplan, founder of The Leiden Collection which contains 17 Rembrandt paintings, has decided to donate 100% of the proceeds to Panthera, the global wild cat conservation organization he co-founded. 'I have but one passion that is even greater than my passion for Rembrandt: the protection of wildlife,' Kaplan stated in a recent interview.

The sale represents a unique fusion of art and conservation. Panthera, which operates in 39 countries, will use the funds to protect lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, and other wild cat species facing extinction. Lion populations have declined by 90% over the past century to just 20,000 individuals today.

A Rare Glimpse into Rembrandt's Animal Studies

Created between 1638 and 1642, Young Lion Resting is one of only six known lion drawings by Rembrandt and part of just 15 surviving animal studies by the master. According to art historians, Rembrandt likely drew the lion from life after exotic animals were brought to Amsterdam by Dutch East India Company ships from North Africa.

'This is the most important Rembrandt drawing to appear at auction in half a century,' said a Sotheby's spokesperson. 'What makes it particularly special is that it's the only depiction of an animal by Rembrandt remaining in private hands.'

The drawing shows a young lion in three-quarter profile, executed in black chalk modified with oil, white chalk, and gray wash. Art experts note the leash visible in the drawing suggests Rembrandt studied the animal firsthand, possibly at Amsterdam's Waterlooplein market where exotic animals were displayed.

Art Market Implications and Historical Context

The sale occurred at Sotheby's 'Master Works on Paper from Five Centuries' auction on February 4, 2026. The buyer's identity remains confidential, though the final price fell at the lower end of Sotheby's $15-20 million estimate.

Rembrandt's animal drawings are exceptionally rare because exotic creatures were uncommon in 17th-century Netherlands. The artist's ability to capture the lion's 'inner life and restless energy,' as described by critics, demonstrates his mastery beyond human portraiture.

The drawing had been exhibited internationally at prestigious institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Louvre, and the Getty Museum before the auction. Last year, it was displayed at Amsterdam's H'ART Museum, allowing Dutch audiences to view this masterpiece before its record-breaking sale.

This historic transaction not only sets a new benchmark for Old Master drawings but also demonstrates how art can directly support conservation efforts. As Kaplan noted, 'This drawing has been a treasure in my collection for two decades, but now it will help ensure that actual lions continue to roam our planet for generations to come.'