Newly discovered Rubens sketch sells for €670,000

A sketch by Pieter Paul Rubens recently discovered in Antwerp has been sold by the local auction house Bernaerts for €670,000. The name of the private collector who phoned in the bid has not been revealed.

The early 17th-century drawing, named “Horse and Knight with Turban” was found by the auction house in the estate of an Antwerp family. It was expected to bring in €350,000 to €500,000. “This kind of bid we hadn’t expected,” said Peter Bernaerts.

Although the identity of the buyer isn’t known, Bernaerts said that there is a “good chance that the sketch will stay in Belgium”.

Image: A detail from the Rubens’ sketch “Horse and Knight with Turban”