A small painting of hell by a follower of Hieronymus Bosch sold for $537,600 at Sotheby’s in New York, more than ten times its high estimate of $30,000–$50,000, after a six-minute bidding war among ten bidders. The result came during a strong week for Old Masters sales, with Christie’s Old Masters and 19th Century Paintings sale totaling nearly $7 million (89% sell-through rate) and Sotheby’s similar sale reaching $6.4 million (92% sell-through rate). Other standout lots included Francesco Glielmo’s *Elijah and the Angel* ($114,300 against a $15,000–$20,000 estimate), Aert van der Neer’s moonlit landscape ($120,650), and a drawing by Giulio Benso ($53,760, over 13 times its estimate).
These results matter because they demonstrate sustained and growing collector appetite for Old Masters, driven by strong scholarship, fresh attributions, and compelling imagery. The Bosch follower’s success highlights how even works by lesser-known hands can command premium prices when linked to a famous name. Auction house heads noted increased interest from cross-category bidders—including contemporary and modern collectors—and from dealers and curators, signaling a broadening market for historical European art. The week’s high sell-through rates and multiple lots outperforming estimates suggest that Old Masters are gaining traction as a diverse and value-rich category.