A rare Rembrandt drypoint print, *Arnout Tholinx, Inspector* (ca. 1656), sold for £3.1 million ($4.1 million) at Christie’s London on December 3, setting a new world auction record for an Old Masters print. The work, commissioned by a medical inspector during Rembrandt’s financial struggles, was part of the Sam Josefowitz collection and last appeared at auction 101 years ago. The sale, dedicated to over 100 Rembrandt prints from Josefowitz’s collection, totaled £8.6 million ($11.4 million), with other notable lots including *Christ presented to the People* and *Christ healing the Sick*.
The record underscores the enduring strength and collector appetite for the Old Masters print market, particularly for rare, historically significant works by Rembrandt. The print’s obscurity—only a small number of copies were made and the copper plate is lost—combined with its personal commission narrative and masterful drypoint technique, drove exceptional demand. The result also highlights Christie’s ability to achieve premium prices for curated single-owner collections, reinforcing the market’s focus on provenance and scarcity.