The curtain of secrecy surrounding this 17th-century masterpiece has been dramatically lifted, revealing a Rembrandt original that had been hiding in plain sight. A painstaking restoration process has unearthed a turban on one of the figures, overpainted and replaced with a traditional Dutch soft cap – an alteration that suggests a deliberate attempt to tame the artist's more unconventional vision.
Experts believe this painting, Let the Little Children Come Unto Me, is one of Rembrandt's earliest works still in private hands. Dating back to his Leiden days, it's a biblical scene that originally featured a diverse crowd, including figures representing various faiths – a reflection of the multicultural streets of 17th-century Holland, where refugees from across Europe flocked amid the chaos of the Thirty Years' War.
Art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon describes this painting as more than just an artwork – it's a testament to Rembrandt's moral compass. 'It's a statement about welcoming diverse families and children during one of the most turbulent times in European history,' he notes, highlighting the artist's known connections to the Remonstrants, who advocated for religious tolerance.
What's even more remarkable is that the painting has now been definitively attributed to Rembrandt following its discovery in a German auction back in 2014. Measuring 106cm by 80.5cm, it's considered one of his most significant early works still in private hands – and personal significance abounds, with research suggesting he depicted various family members within the scene.
Now that the restoration is complete, this masterpiece is set to be auctioned off at Sotheby's in London on 1 July, with an estimated value ranging from £8 million to £12 million. Alex Bell, chair emeritus of Sotheby's UK, notes how the overpainting had 'sanitised' the painting, removing the more diverse cast of characters that Rembrandt originally intended.
Source: The Guardian