Main lessons
- Thomas Kaplan's auction highlights Rembrandt 's drawing , "Young Lion at Rest."
- The auction aims to raise funds for wildlife conservation , particularly for big cats.
- Kaplan supports the Panthera organization for the preservation of wild cats.
Thomas Kaplan, the prominent American art collector and philanthropist, is once again making waves with a bold and inspiring initiative. He recently announced the auction of an exceptional drawing by Dutch master Rembrandt, Young Lion at Rest , a rare 17th-century work. But beyond its inestimable artistic value, this sale has a much greater mission: to contribute to the conservation of wildlife, particularly big cats.
A bridge between art and nature
The drawing, which could fetch tens of millions of dollars when it sells, will fund the work of Panthera , the international organization Kaplan founded in 2006 to conserve wild cats. The gesture vividly illustrates Kaplan's philosophy: aligning his two greatest passions—art and nature—to create a lasting impact.
For years, Kaplan has embodied a unique form of activism, uniting the often distant worlds of classical art and environmental responsibility. With this sale, he once again demonstrates how cultural heritage can be transformed into a driving force for ecological protection.
A life guided by passion and commitment
Born in New York City on September 14, 1962, Thomas Kaplan developed a fascination with the arts early on, leading him to build one of the world's most important private collections of Rembrandt works. With several degrees from Oxford University, he has built a rich intellectual and philanthropic career, often in tandem with his wife, Dafna Kaplan.
In founding Panthera, Kaplan didn't just support conservation; he put it at the heart of what he did, mobilizing significant resources to preserve endangered species, from the snow leopard to the African lion.
The Leiden Collection: a living heritage
Kaplan's artistic commitment is fully manifested through the Leiden Collection , an exceptional collection of more than 250 works from the Dutch Golden Age. Named after Rembrandt's hometown, this collection is conceived as a "lending library for old masters," allowing institutions around the world to exhibit these treasures to the general public.
From Paris to New York, this initiative has helped democratize access to classical art while strengthening the international aura of the works of Rembrandt and his contemporaries.
FAQ
Who is Thomas Kaplan?
Thomas Kaplan is an influential American art collector , philanthropist, and chairman of The Electrum Group LLC. He is credited with owning nearly half of all privately held Rembrandt artwork and co-founding Panthera, which focuses on global wildlife conservation.
How does Kaplan combine his interests in art and wildlife conservation?
Kaplan blends his passions by using his extensive art collection, including significant pieces like Rembrandt drawings, as a means to raise awareness and funds for wildlife conservation efforts, creating a unique intersection between art and philanthropy.
What is the Leiden Collection and its importance?
The Leiden Collection is a vast accumulation of masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including many works by Rembrandt. It serves as a "lending library for the Old Masters," providing public access to art history while aligning with Kaplan's mission of preserving heritage and wildlife.
Nicolas Sarazin