This small painting is one of two facing portraits painted by Rembrandt unfortunately this painting holds the dubious distinction of being known as "the takeaway Rembrandt" as it is the most stolen work of art and has been taken on four occasions in modern history.
It is a portrait, one of a pair though in this case the sitter is Jacob de Gheyn III painted by Rembrandt in 1632 and is less than 12 inches in height. The other painting depicts Gheyn's friend Maurits Huygens who's portrait was painted on the same oak board only the painting is slightly larger.
The pact between the two was who ever died first left his painting to the other as it happened Gheyn's died first and was left to Huygens who died the following year.
![]()
![]()
![]()
