Yesterday, Sotheby’s oversaw a record-breaking $18 million sale of a rare drawing by Rembrandt — one of just six lion studies the artist ever created and the only one that had remained in private hands.
Those hands belonged to Dr. Thomas S. Kaplan and his wife, two of the world’s leading private collectors of Rembrandt’s work. At the same time, they stand at the forefront of global wildlife conservation, championing the very animal depicted in the drawing.
Art and Conservation Intertwined
Dr. Kaplan founded both the Leiden Collection, one of the most important private collections of Dutch and Flemish masterworks, and Panthera, the world’s leading organization dedicated exclusively to the protection of wild cats.
Over the years, he has deliberately woven these two passions together. As a result, all proceeds from the $17.9 million sale will support efforts to ensure that lions survive far beyond both Rembrandt’s era — and our own.
A Masterwork on Paper
The drawing, titled Young Lion Resting, captures the animal in a calm yet powerful pose. Through loose, confident strokes and careful shading, Rembrandt brought the lion’s paws, posture, and gaze vividly to life.
According to Dr. Kaplan, the drawing marked the most expensive object he and his wife had ever purchased when they acquired it after beginning their collection journey in 2003.
Even then, they recognized its deeper significance.
A Rare and Historic Moment
Only six lion drawings by Rembrandt are known to exist. Moreover, Young Lion Resting became the first drawing by the artist to reach the market in a century.
Because of that rarity, the final price shattered the previous record for a Rembrandt drawing by nearly $15 million.
From Acquisition to Action
Just one year after acquiring the drawing, Dr. Kaplan co-founded Panthera alongside renowned conservationist Dr. Alan Rabinowitz.
Over time, the plight of the lion across its historic range became a central focus. To underscore that reality, the sale of Young Lion Resting was paired with a companion image titled Young Lion Vanished — a stark visual in which the lion’s presence disappears entirely.
That absence reflects today’s reality: lions have vanished from roughly 95% of their former range.
Saving the Lion Remains Possible
Despite those losses, Dr. Kaplan believes the lion’s story is not finished.
Although the species has already gone extinct in more than half of the countries it once inhabited, he remains convinced that survival remains achievable — especially if conservation efforts focus on large, connected landscapes rather than isolated reserves.
However, he acknowledges that current work still focuses largely on defense rather than recovery.
Turning Proceeds Into Protection
The drawing was co-owned with Jon Ayer, chair of Panthera’s board of directors. Following the sale, Ayer emphasized that the funds will directly strengthen field programs combating poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
As Panthera approaches its 20th anniversary, the auction proceeds will support science-driven initiatives across roughly 40 countries on four continents.
Protecting People to Protect Wildlife
A major focus of Panthera’s work involves preventing conflict between humans and wild cats.
According to Dr. Kaplan, most conservation success begins with protecting livelihoods. When communities feel secure, retaliation against wildlife declines dramatically.
By investing in fencing, livestock protection, and coexistence strategies, Panthera reduces the pressures that often lead to the killing of lions.
A Future Still Within Reach
Within conservation circles, Panthera has earned a reputation for effectiveness. Some officials believe that if the organization cannot save a wild cat species, no one can.
If that belief holds true, then the record-setting sale of Young Lion Resting suggests that the lion’s future may now rest in capable hands — and perhaps, thanks to art, in safer paws.