Venetian Sunsets Meet Wall Street Nerves: The Saunders Old Masters Odyssey

A single-owner trove of Old Master paintings, gathered by Jordan and Thomas A. Saunders III, is set to make waves at Sotheby’s New York, with an estimated value that could top $120 million. This isn’t just a collection—it’s a visual journey across centuries, featuring works from Jan Davidsz. de Heem’s lush still lifes to Luis Meléndez’s kitchen table dramas, and crowned by Francesco Guardi’s Venetian vistas. The Saunders collection stands out for its remarkable range, spanning the 16th to 19th centuries and representing a cross-section of European artistry. Many of these pieces have graced the walls of world-renowned museums, but now, 56 of them are poised to find new homes. The guiding hand behind the collection, Sotheby’s George Wachter, helped shape its unique vision, blending Wall Street precision with an eye for timeless beauty. As the gavel prepares to fall, this auction promises not just record-breaking numbers, but a new chapter for masterpieces that have already crossed continents and centuries. #OldMasters #ArtAuctions #CulturalHeritage #Culture