Rembrandt painting found in Maine attic fetches $1.41 million

A portrait attributed to 17th-century Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn sold at auction for $1.41 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of $15,000. The painting, titled Portrait of a Young Girl, had remained largely unknown for decades, stored in the attic of a farmhouse in Maine.

The artwork came to light during an estate assessment when auctioneer Kaja Veilleux visited the property and recognized the painting's historical significance and artistic merit. The discovery prompted further examination by specialists familiar with Rembrandt's techniques and body of work.

While the sale price represents a substantial return for the owners, art experts have suggested the painting's value could potentially reach as high as $15 million should it receive full authentication from Rembrandt scholarship authorities. Complete verification of Old Master paintings often requires extensive analysis of provenance, materials, and artistic technique.

The sale underscores the continued possibility of significant artistic discoveries in private American collections, particularly among works that have remained undocumented or underappreciated for generations. Such finds occasionally emerge from estates where artwork was acquired generations ago and subsequently forgotten.