€9m Rembrandt work puts the artist's humanity in the frame
A rare early Rembrandt painting, 'Let The Little Children Come Unto Me', has sold for €9 million after a decade-long restoration. The work is believed to reflect the artist's personal commitment to religious tolerance during a period of intense conflict.
Why it matters
The discovery provides new historical insight into Rembrandt's personal life and his artistic response to the social and religious tensions of the 17th century.
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn's 'Let The Little Children Come Unto Me', c.1627, before and after restoration.
A fascinating insight into Rembrandt’s tolerance and humanity is contained in a rare early history painting that made £8 million (€9,388,000) at Sotheby’s in London this month.
The work Let The Little Children Come Unto Me was painted around 1627 against a background of growing religious intolerance and hatred of refugees. This was the height of the 30 Years’ War, which began in 1618 as a religious dispute.
Rembrandt’s mother had Catholic roots, and his father was Protestant.
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