Sotheby’s to Auction Prestigious Saunders Collection of Old Masters, Expected to Fetch Up to $120 Million
By Anna Marweld
Chen, M., undated, $120 Million Old Master Trove Poised to Shatter Records, ArtNet. Available at: https://news.artnet.com/market/saunders-collection-old-masters-sothebys-2613872.
The Saunders collection comprises 60 paintings spanning the 16th to the early 19th century. The collection is an important and extraordinary testament to European artistic heritage - it is also one of the most comprehensive Old Masters collections that have entered the market in recent years. Amongst the works included are examples from the German, Flemish, Italian, French, and Spanish schools, with highlights such as portraiture by Sir Thomas Larence, still-lives by Jan Davidsz ,and landscapes by Francesco Guardi. Curated carefully with a keen eye for quality by the couple, the collection illustrates astonishing historical significance.
Guided by George Wachter, Sotheby’s chairman and co-global head of Old Master paintings, the Saunders began their collection of Old Masters in the late 1990’s. Fuelled by passion, the couple often travelled across the world at a moment’s notice to acquire a work they had their eye on. Their commitment to the collection is steadfast and unwavering. In pursuit of acquiring a painting by Luis Egidio Meléndez, the couple braved a Canadian snowstorm, making the decisive decision to purchase within mere minutes of viewing a selection of paintings at the Hornstein collection. Perhaps even more intriguingly, when in Rome to purchase a still life by Davidsz, Saunders met the painting’s owner. He kept his prized possession artwork wrapped clandestinely in a garbage bag, hoping to keep the sale a secret from his wife.
Beyond their passion for collecting art, the Saunders are known to be active philanthropists. They make significant contributions to cultural institutions, the arts, and education. Their dedication to cultural heritage was recognised when they were awarded the National Humanities Medal by President George W. Bush.
Sotheby’s secures most valuable single-owner collection of Old Master paintings to come to Auction, The Art Newspaper. Available at: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/02/28/sothebys-secures-most-valuable-single-owner-collection-of-old-master-paintings-to-come-to-auction.
This May, Sotheby’s New York will present a landmark sale of Old Master paintings from the collection of Jordan and Thomas A. Saunders III. The collection is estimated to achieve between $80 million and $120 million - potentially a new benchmark for Old Masters auctions. At a time where Old Masters are experiencing renewed interest, contemporary collectors have been diversifying their collections to include Old Masters. The relatively lower price points and rich historical significance compare well to more modern and contemporary works. This trend became evident this past December, when 63% of the unique bidders in the Master Paintings: Part 1 sale had previously bid, bought, or sold in contemporary or modern auctions since 2020. The Saunders auction has potential to underscore the increasing convergence of various different collecting categories and set new records. It marks an exciting and rare opportunity to acquire museum-quality masterpieces, curated by an excellent eye. Sotheby’s upcoming Old Masters sale could prove to be one of the most important of the decade.
Bibliography
Cassady, Daniel. “Sotheby’s to Hold Landmark Single Owner Old Masters Auction Estimated to Net $80–$120 M.” ARTnews, February 26, 2025. https://www.artnews.com/art-news/market/single-owner-old-masters-auction-sothebys-may-1234733891/.