WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025 
A newly discovered drawing by Rembrandt acquired for €450,000 in a private sale by a European collector
T his drawing, executed around 1645, belongs to a series sketched in black chalk by the Dutch master, some of which are held in major European museums.
The rediscovery of a work by a great master is always a thrilling adventure—and the one unveiled this spring by the Nouvelet auction house is no exception. A previously unknown drawing by Rembrandt, recently found in a private collection, has been acquired in a private sale for €450,000 by a European collector who immediately recognised its importance and quality.
The accurate attribution of this work to Rembrandt was made possible thanks to the concerted efforts and combined expertise of auctioneer Nicolas Nouvelet, his team, and specialist Augustin de Bayser. Together, they worked to restore the name of its true author to this remarkable discovery.
The accurate attribution of this work to Rembrandt was made possible thanks to the concerted efforts and combined expertise of auctioneer Nicolas Nouvelet, his team, and specialist Augustin de Bayser. Together, they worked to restore the name of its true author to this remarkable discovery.
Landscape with a Bridge and Houses in the Background, executed around 1645, is one of about ten black pencil sketches drawn by the
Dutch master. These works, quickly sketched, follow a consistent format. Rembrandt’s technique in these small pencil landscapes vividly showcases his artistic approach. The style mirrors the skies and houses depicted in a drawing housed at Berlin’s Kupferstich-Kabinet. The rapid delineation of the horizon using a series of triangular shapes is reminiscent of a sheet in Vienna’s Albertina collection. Similarly, the cluster of trees echoes those in Three Trees, held by the British Museum.
The drawing is also cited by Martin Royalton-Kisch, the author of the online catalogue raisonné dedicated to Rembrandt. A renowned expert in engraving and Dutch and Flemish art, particularly the works of Rembrandt, Royalton- Kisch served as curator of the Prints and Drawings Department at London’s British Museum from 1992 to 2009. The drawing’s simplicity and modernity reflect the timeless mastery of one of the greatest artists in history.
Dutch master. These works, quickly sketched, follow a consistent format. Rembrandt’s technique in these small pencil landscapes vividly showcases his artistic approach. The style mirrors the skies and houses depicted in a drawing housed at Berlin’s Kupferstich-Kabinet. The rapid delineation of the horizon using a series of triangular shapes is reminiscent of a sheet in Vienna’s Albertina collection. Similarly, the cluster of trees echoes those in Three Trees, held by the British Museum.
The drawing is also cited by Martin Royalton-Kisch, the author of the online catalogue raisonné dedicated to Rembrandt. A renowned expert in engraving and Dutch and Flemish art, particularly the works of Rembrandt, Royalton- Kisch served as curator of the Prints and Drawings Department at London’s British Museum from 1992 to 2009. The drawing’s simplicity and modernity reflect the timeless mastery of one of the greatest artists in history.
