The Value of Vermeer’s 'The Concert' and the Rarity of His Paintings

Art enthusiasts and collectors often wonder about the true value of historical masterpieces like Vermeer's The Concert. This article aims to explore the current and potential value of 'The Concert' and provide insights into the rarity of Johannes Vermeer's paintings.

The Last Auction of 'The Concert'

The last known public auction of The Concert took place in 1892, fetching a sum of 5,000 dollars, equivalent to approximately 160,000 USD today. This figure, while intriguing, does not reflect the current market value of the painting. The reason behind this significant discrepancy lies in the rarity and history of Vermeer's works.

The Rarity of Vermeer's Paintings

Vermeer, a significant figure in Dutch Golden Age painting, only had 34 paintings attributed to him in his lifetime. Today, the majority of these works are housed in museum collections, making it extremely rare for his paintings to come up for sale. The last publicly documented sale of a painting attributed to Vermeer occurred in 2004, recognized for its substantial value of around 30 million USD. However, the attribution of this specific work remains a topic of debate among art historians.

The Last Public Sale (1920s)

Before 2004, the most recent public record of one of Vermeer's paintings being sold was in the 1920s. These infrequent auctions further complicate the estimation of the painting's value based on historical sales data. The scarcity of pension on the market means there is no sufficient historical data to accurately estimate the value of 'The Concert' or other known works by Vermeer.

Estimating the Value

While we cannot provide a definitive answer, a conservative guess might place the value of The Concert around 30 million USD based on the auction of a work attributed to Vermeer in 2004. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the actual value could be significantly higher or lower, depending on various factors including provenance, condition, and historical context.

Consideration of Other Works

It is also worth noting that other works by Vermeer, such as Saint Praxedis, which sold in 2014 for approximately 8 million USD, should be considered. The value of Saint Praxedis, however, is challenged by the issues regarding its attribution. Nonetheless, this information provides a broader context in understanding the value of Vermeer's artworks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the value of Johannes Vermeer's The Concert is a matter of speculation given the rarity and historical scarcity of his paintings. While we can make informed guesses based on previous sales and auction records, the actual value remains elusive. The public's fascination with Vermeer's work continues to drive interest and value in his masterpieces, making them among the most valuable and sought-after artworks in the world.