Lost masterpiece discovered in Maine attic sells for millions

A remarkable discovery was made in the attic of a Maine home when a long-lost painting by the renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt was found. The artwork, a portrait of a young girl, was encased in a hand-carved gold Dutch frame and is believed to date back to the 1630s. Upon its discovery, the painting was noted for its pristine condition and established family provenance, with a label on the back confirming its authenticity as a Rembrandt. This label also indicated that the painting had been previously loaned to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for an exhibition in 1970. The auction for the painting took place at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, where it quickly attracted significant interest from bidders. Nine telephone bidders and two serious live bidders participated in the auction, ultimately driving the final price to an astonishing $1,410,000. This sale is believed to set a new record for the highest price ever paid for a piece of art at a Maine auction. Rembrandt, born in 1606, is celebrated as one of the greatest painters in art history, with an extensive body of work that includes approximately 300 paintings and 2,000 drawings. His art remains highly valuable, with previous works fetching millions at auction. The painting's discovery highlights the potential for hidden treasures in unexpected places, as well as the enduring legacy of Rembrandt's artistry. The unexpected outcome of the auction has left the auctioneer, Veilleux, feeling elated. He expressed that the process of selling art can be unpredictable, and the significant sale of this lost masterpiece underscores the excitement and surprises that can arise in the world of art auctions.