The Daily

The Sunday Read: 'Rembrandt in the Blood'

Mar 28, 2021

Russell Shorto, a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine, dives into the thrilling tale of art dealer Jan Six's discovery of a long-lost Rembrandt painting. They discuss the meticulous process of authentication that rocked the art world and the legacy intertwined with the Six family. Shorto highlights the tensions between commercial interests and artistic truth, along with the evolving dynamics of the art market and the enduring appeal of Dutch masters. The conversation ultimately reveals how art continues to shape identity and legacy.

01:02:43

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Episode guests

Russell Shorto

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

The Unexpected Discovery of a Rembrandt Masterpiece

5min

Unearthing Rembrandt: A Legacy of Art and Discovery

26min

A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Art

2min

The Quest for a True Rembrandt

23min

The Enduring Allure of Dutch Old Masters

2min

Navigating Reputation and Legacy in the World of Art

4min

It was in the winter of 2016 that Jan Six, a Dutch art dealer based in Amsterdam, made a discovery that would upend his life. He was leafing through a Christie’s catalog when he spotted a painting featuring a young man wearing a dazed look, a lace collar and a proto-Led Zeppelin coif. Christie’s had labeled it a painting by one of Rembrandt’s followers, but Mr. Six knew it was by the Dutch master himself.

Today on The Sunday Read, a look at Mr. Six’s discovery of the first new Rembrandt painting in over four decades, and the fallout from finding it.

This story was written by Russell Shorto and recorded by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publishers like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.

Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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