Dutch painter Rembrandt’s masterpiece “Portrait of a Man,” half-length, with his arms akimbo (1658) is all set to go under the hammer in December this year, amid speculation that it could break the record price for a Rembrandt, which currently stands at £19,800,000. The painting being offered by a private collector at Christie’s in London was once a part of personal antiquities sold by the legendary painter to avoid bankruptcy. The portrait unseen in public since 1970 measures 42 inches by 34 inches, shows an unknown subject facing the viewer in a defiant pose with his hands on his hips, and is one of only two Rembrandts dated 1658. The work displays the artist’s much celebrated chiaroscuro technique; application of brushstrokes and clever use of light and shade to give his subjects a physical presence and psychological character. The painting will be on display at Christie’s showroom in King Street, London, from December 4 until it is auctioned at the Old Masters and 19th Century Art Evening Sale on December 8.

Via: Telegraph481323