'Fake' Rembrandt a Real $40M Self-Portrait

Auction house valued it at $3,100
By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 19, 2008 3:05 AM CDT
'Fake' Rembrandt a Real $40M Self-Portrait
The 1628 self-portrait "Rembrandt Laughing," once thought the work of an imitator, has been confirmed as genuine and worth $40 million.   (AP Photo/ Rembrandt House Museum, ho)

A self-portrait formerly considered a Rembrandt knockoff has been deemed a genuine early work of the Dutch master—and valued at $40 million. Rembrandt Laughing, executed on a small copper plate, was examined by Holland's leading Rembrandt experts. A British art collector purchased the work late last year for $4.5 million from an auction house that had appraised it at $3,100.

"It has an incredible presence," said a Rembrandt authority. "The light has the most natural quality you can think of—and I love the naturalness of the laughing." (Read more Rembrandt stories.)

We use cookies. By Clicking "OK" or any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. Read more in our privacy policy.
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X