Search form

menu menu
  • Daily & Weekly newsletters
  • Buy & download The Bulletin
  • Comment on our articles

Painting bought in Belgian bar for €500 valued at more than €30 million

Rembrandt self portrait
21:42 05/08/2019

A work of art purchased in a bar near Liège for €500 could be a Rembrandt and has been valued at more than €30 million, reported local media SudPresse on Monday.

The painting of Jesus was acquired by a Verviers man around 12 years ago. He had met a person in a bar in Herstal, near Liège, who was crippled by debt. To financially help him, he bought the work, without knowing its true value.

Tipped off by a friend and art lover, the man had the painting evaluated on a number of occasions. According to an artist and restorer, the canvas ‘Ecce homo’ possesses numerous characteristics of works by the 17th-century Dutch artist Rembrandt.

A member of the Belgian chamber of art experts said the painting was an “exceptional” work and valued it at over €30m. The happy owner has decided to sell it and plans to invest in his favourite football club.

Photo: Self-portrait of Rembrandt wearing a gold chain / Getty Images

Written by The Bulletin

Comments

Frank Lee

The €5 drink you gave to the cute girl in that bar paid off handsomely as well now that you're married to the love of your life. Not all investments are objects.

Aug 7, 2019 18:14
Dennis96

What a great idea.

Aug 13, 2019 08:54
Dennis96

What a great idea. MyKFCExperience

Aug 14, 2019 07:48