The collection of Old Masters assembled by Thomas A. Saunders III and his wife Jordan sold for $64.7 million at Sotheby’s on May 21, falling below its low presale estimate but still becoming the most valuable trove of Old Masters ever sold in a single auction. Seven artist records were set, including Luis Meléndez’s *Still Life of a Cauliflower…* ($6.3 million) and Jan Davidsz. de Heem’s floral still life ($8.8 million). The top lot was Francesco Guardi’s twin landscapes of Venice ($10.5 million). A further 14 paintings sold the next day, bringing the collection’s total to $65.4 million.
This sale matters because it underscores the enduring strength of the Old Masters market, even when estimates are not met, and highlights the role of passionate, long-term collectors in building historically significant troves. The Saunders collection’s record-breaking status and the multiple artist records demonstrate sustained global demand for high-quality works from this period, while the involvement of Sotheby’s chairman George Wachter as a trusted advisor reflects the close relationships that often drive major private collections to auction.