Rembrandt’s ‘Portrait of a Girl’ Discovered in Maine Attic Sells for $1.4M

In a remarkable turn of events, a 17th-century portrait by renowned Dutch painter Rembrandt has sold for $1.4 million in a Maine auction, setting a new state record. The painting, titled “Portrait of Girl,” was auctioned at the Thomaston Place Auction Galleries in the quaint town of Thomaston, located in southern Maine.

The artwork features a teenage girl dressed in traditional Dutch attire, complete with a white collar and cap, emanating a sense of tranquility. This extraordinary find was unearthed by Kaja Veilleux, the founder of Thomaston Place, during a visit to an attic in Camden, approximately 12 miles from the auction house.

Veilleux described the discovery as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, reflecting on the nature of the business where auctioneers often venture into homes without any preconceived notions about what they might find. “We often go in blind on house calls, not knowing what we’ll find,” he commented in a recent press release.

Interestingly, this painting had previously been displayed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1970, framed in a hand-carved frame, as noted by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries.

On August 24, bidders from across the globe showed great interest in the portrait, but it was the competitive offers from three determined bidders that eventually pushed the bidding price to an impressive $1.4 million. Zebulon Casperson, the auction host, expressed his astonishment at the event, stating, “Out of all the phone bids I’ve handled, I never imagined I’d help close a deal for over a million dollars. It feels like a shared victory.”

The auction house confirmed that Veilleux stumbled upon this exceptional piece during a routine appraisal visit. “The home was filled with wonderful pieces, but it was in the attic, among stacks of art that we found this remarkable portrait,” he shared with enthusiasm.

The unforeseen auction not only highlights the treasure hidden in attics but also underscores the growing appreciation and value of historical artworks in today’s market. This sale has set a precedent in the local auction scene, drawing attention to both the potential value of private collections and the expertise required to recognize priceless pieces.

The story of the “Portrait of Girl” serves as a reminder of how art can connect past and present, and as collectors look to their estates, more hidden treasures may yet to be revealed. As interest in historical art continues to rise, events like these may become more prevalent, offering both excitement and opportunity for bidders and sellers alike.

As the dust settles on this monumental sale, the portrait itself remains a testament to Rembrandt’s enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of art. The excitement generated by this auction will surely inspire further exploration into the world of fine art and antiques.

Source: USA TODAY