February 2025 auctions in New York

1. Domenico Theotokopoulos, called El Greco (c. 1541-1614)
Saint Sebastian
Oil on canvas - 90.2 x 70.5 cm
Claimed by Romania
Photo: Christie’s

See the image in its page

4/2/25 - Art market - New York - Shifted by almost a week from their usual dates, the New York auctions at the start of the year are rather weak for old master drawings, and we will be highlighting very few works on paper. Although there were less important paintings and sculptures than a few years ago, there were still some remarkable works.
However, one of the key lots in these sales, which was due to be sold at Christie’s, will not be, at least not immediately. It is a Saint Sebastian by El Greco (ill. 1) which was still on show three days ago with an estimate of between $7 and $9 million, but which has been removed from the online catalogue. It is the subject of a legal claim by the Romanian government, which has instructed lawyers to claim it. According to them, the painting belonged to the Romanian king Carol I and had been bequeathed to the crown. The catalogue entry states that ownership was transferred in 1947 when King Michael I of Romania abdicated, with the agreement of the government of the day. The deposed king then sold it to Wildenstein, who in turn sold it to the current vendor.

2. Simon of Myle (active 1567-1570)
Samson Destroying the Temple of the Philistines
Oil on panel - 63 x 44 cm
Sale Christie’s New York, 5 February 2025
Photo: Christie’s

See the image in its page

3. Jan van Bijlert (1597/1598-1671)
Young Man Playing the Lute and Singing with Two Companions
Oil on canvas - 147 x 120 cm
Sale Christie’s New York, 5 February 2025
Photo: Christie’s

See the image in its page

4. France, c. 1760
Academy of Man
Oil on canvas - 74.6 x 99.1 cm
Christie’s New York sale, 5 February 2025
Photo: Christie’s

See the image in its page

Among the paintings, we would particularly highlight a rare picture by…