Prominent American-French precious metals mogul, philanthropist, and conservationist Thomas S. Kaplan is set to auction a highly prized Rembrandt drawing of a lion through Sotheby's, with an estimated value of $20 million. The entire proceeds from the sale will be directed to Panthera, a wild cat conservation organization he established in 2006. This decision reflects Kaplan's ongoing commitment to philanthropy, even as he explores innovative approaches, such as fractionalizing his extensive art collection, to broaden public engagement with masterworks.
Kaplan's Leiden Collection, amassed over two decades with his wife Daphne, features 220 works, including 17 Rembrandt paintings—the largest private collection globally—and the sole Vermeer held privately. Sotheby's hosted a luncheon in Paris to announce the sale of 'Young Lion Resting' (c. 1638–42), a rare black and white chalk drawing on brown paper, believed to be Rembrandt's last lion depiction. The auction is slated for New York in February, with the sale's outcome poised to significantly impact wild cat conservation efforts.
The $20 million estimate for 'Young Lion Resting' far surpasses the previous auction record for a Rembrandt drawing, which stood at $3.7 million. While impressive, it falls short of the $48 million record for a work on paper, achieved by Raphael's 'Head of Apostle' (c. 1519). Kaplan expressed his hope that his philanthropic vision for wild cat protection would inspire competitive bidding. He recounted his wife's encouragement to acquire the drawing in 2005, citing its artistic merit and thematic relevance to their shared passion for wildlife.
During the event, Kaplan skillfully redirected inquiries about his plans to fractionalize his Rembrandt collection, known as Project Minerva, emphasizing his immediate focus on the lion drawing and conservation. Sotheby’s Old Master drawings head, Gregory Rubinstein, lauded the drawing's exceptional quality, highlighting Rembrandt's masterful observation of nature and ability to convey the essence of his subjects. Kaplan also shared insights into his family's discreet approach to collecting, preferring anonymity while lending over 80 works from the Leiden Collection to prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Hermitage Museum and the Louvre. He revealed that the decision to go public with his collection was driven by Arthur Wheelock, curator of Northern Baroque painting at the National Gallery of Art, to ensure wider accessibility and appreciation of Rembrandt's enduring artistic and humanistic values.
Kaplan also clarified that his intent behind exploring fractional ownership was not driven by financial gain, but by a desire to genuinely democratize access to art. He emphasized that if the process couldn't be executed properly and ensure maximum exposure for the collection, he would not proceed, hinting at an 18-month timeline for a potential launch. This strategic move underscores Kaplan's commitment to innovation in art philanthropy and his dedication to making significant artistic treasures accessible to a broader audience, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for art history and supporting critical conservation initiatives.
