LONDON — Sotheby’s has revealed highlights from its upcoming Old Masters and 19th-century evening sale, presenting a selection that includes several works that have not been seen publicly for more than a century. The auction, scheduled to take place this season in London, brings together paintings and drawings sourced from private collections across Europe.
According to Sotheby’s specialists, one of the key attractions is a group of works that remained in the same families for generations and are now appearing on the market for the first time in modern history. Their re-emergence has generated notable interest among collectors who follow the category closely.
The sale spans a broad range of periods and schools, with examples from Dutch, Flemish, French, and Italian masters. Several pieces have been recently examined and catalogued, offering updated scholarship and provenance that may influence their performance at auction.
Specialists at the London branch describe this season as particularly strong for the Old Masters segment, with increased demand for works that have maintained historical integrity and originality. Early estimates indicate that the rediscovered paintings could attract competitive bidding, given their rarity and state of preservation.
Sotheby’s will present the full selection in viewings leading up to the sale, allowing both established collectors and new buyers to examine the works firsthand. Results from the auction will provide another indicator of how the Old Masters market continues to evolve amid broader shifts in the global art economy.
By Daniel Harris — Art Market Editor
