Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Rembrandt Went to Wynn

December 18, 2009 by Marion Maneker

Carol Vogel fingers Steve Wynn in the New York Times as the buyer of last week’s portrait painted by Rembrandt being sold by Barbara Johnson:

Arms Akimbo ManWhen reached by telephone on Thursday, he said only: “I’m not discussing it, I’m not acknowledging my paintings anymore.” The day of the auction, however, Mr. Wynn called several old-master dealers and Rembrandt scholars to ask their opinion of the work, “Portrait of a Man, Half-Length, With His Arms Akimbo” (1658), experts said.

He ended up being the only bidder. But others were interested in it, too. Otto Naumann, a Manhattan dealer, and Alfred Bader, an art investor from Milwaukee, were prepared to buy it together and were willing to go as high as $40.3 million. Christie’s had given the men extended terms that would give them at least six months to pay.

“The day of the sale Christie’s withdrew the terms,” Mr. Naumann said. “They told us we would not be allowed to collect the painting until it had been paid in full.” So the men decided not to bid.

Stephen Wynn Paid Record Price for a Rembrandt (Bloomberg)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Louvre Abu Dhabi Announces Acquisition of £9.48m Rembrandt StudyLouvre Abu Dhabi Announces Acquisition of £9.48m Rembrandt Study
  • Rare Rembrandt Print at Christie’s London in JulyRare Rembrandt Print at Christie’s London in July
  • Rembrandt Attribution Worth $7mRembrandt Attribution Worth $7m
  • Wynn Lucks OutWynn Lucks Out
  • Rembrandt SpottingRembrandt Spotting
  • Weak RembrandtWeak Rembrandt

Filed Under: Collectors Tagged With: Old Master, Rembrandt, Steven Wynn

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...