Titian’s early masterpiece, Rest on the Flight into Egypt (c. 1508), sold for £17.56 million ($22.17 million) at Christie’s London last night. This sale set a new auction record for the Renaissance artist, surpassing the $16.9 million paid for A Sacra Conversazione (c. 1560) at Sotheby’s in 2011.

The painting, which sold within its presale estimate of £15 million—£25 million ($18.75 million—$31.25 million), was the top lot of Christie’s Old Masters I sale. The entire sale totaled £43.59 million ($55.1 million). Last night’s Exceptional Sale, part of the auction house’s Classic Week series, brought in a total of £7.2 million ($9.1 million). All prices include fees.

Orlando Rock, chairman of Christie’s UK, lauded Titian for its flawless history and serene beauty. He pointed out that this youthful masterwork by Titian is among the most poetic of the artist’s works and has captivated audiences for more than 500 years.

The 18 by 25-inch wooden panel painting “Rest on the Flight into Egypt” shows Joseph watching as Mary holds the infant Jesus. The painting’s extraordinary history includes ownership by Holy Roman Emperors, dukes, and archdukes. Napoleon twice stole it from the Longleat estate in Wilshire: once in 1809 and again in 1995. London discovered it in an unframed plastic bag in 2002. According to Christie’s report, the Longleat Trustees and Lord Bath, who inherited the Longleat estate from his father, auctioned the artwork as part of their long-term investment strategy.

Quentin Metsys’ Madonna of the Cherries sold for £10.66 million ($13.46 million) that evening, smashing the artist’s previous auction record of $1.9 million for Mary in Prayer (c. 1500) at Cologne’s Kunsthaus Lempertz in 2020. Another significant sale was Frans Hals’s Portrait of a Gentleman of the de Wolff Family, presumably Joost de Wolff (1582/3-1666), for £5.71 million ($7.21 million).

There was a lot of interest in the Old Master paintings being sold that night, and the prices were high. The success of these transactions highlights how iconic works of art will always be in demand and how collectors are eager to invest in artworks with exciting histories and provenances. This pattern bodes well for the art market going forward, which bodes well for auctions.

Collectors from all over the globe are in awe over the key artworks offered at Christie’s Classic Week sales, such as The Exceptional Sale and the Old Masters I Sale. Auctions like these help build the auction house’s reputation and prosperity by providing a chance to buy unusual and costly items.

The record-breaking sale of Titian’s Rest on the Flight into Egypt is a testament to the artist’s lasting impact and high regard for his work. This painting, with its rich history and beautiful execution, has once again demonstrated the timeless nature of outstanding art and its ability to captivate and inspire audiences across generations. The successful auction highlights the ongoing demand for masterpieces and the vibrant nature of the art market.