Рубрика: General

As Sotheby’s prepares to auction Rembrandt’s Young Lion Resting, collector Thomas Kaplan reveals why now is the right time to pass with the piece. 

Estimated to sell for approximately $20 million at Sotheby’s New York on February 4, 2026, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn’s Young Lion Resting is widely regarded as one of the most important works on paper to come to market in decades. But for Thomas Kaplan – collector, conservationist, and investor — its value has never been purely monetary.

“Collecting, to me, has always been about passion,” he exclusively tells Elite Traveler. “I fell in love with Rembrandt when I was six years old. That intense feeling has stayed with me my whole life.»

See also: Inside The Inventive World of Meriem Bennani

When he and his wife Daphne acquired the piece in 2005, it marked a personal beginning. It was the first Rembrandt they ever owned – the foundation stone of what would become The Leiden Collection, now comprising 17 paintings by the master and widely regarded as one of the most important private collections of seventeenth-century Dutch art in the world.

“It doesn’t take a genius to collect Rembrandt,” Kaplan says with characteristic humility. “It takes a genius to be Rembrandt.” Upon seeing Young Lion Resting for the very first time, he was “mesmerized by the cat’s eyes,” before noticing the bold, expressive strokes. “Rembrandt had a singular ability to capture the soul of his sitters,” he says. “Here, he saw this lion, brought to Amsterdam as a novelty, as a sentient, noble being – not just a curiosity.” 

As Kaplan explains, collecting for him at least, began by chance – «a way to be closer to a particular form of art that I had long admired.” That impulse would go on to shape The Leiden Collection, which from its inception was never intended to be static, but a “vehicle for public dissemination, scholarly research and, critically, cultural exchange.”

Conceived as a “lending library”, it has been built around the idea that great art belongs, ultimately, to the public realm. Since embarking on a global tour in 2017, works from the collection have been exhibited in more than 80 museums worldwide – from the Louvre in Paris to national museums across China, Russia, the UAE, and the United States. 

The sale of Young Lion Resting coincides with another milestone: the 20th anniversary of Panthera, the wild cat conservation organization Kaplan co-founded with the late Dr Alan Rabinowitz in a bid “to protect these magnificent creatures in the wild.”

The timing is deliberate. Over the past century, local lion populations have collapsed by more than 90 percent, falling from an estimated 200,000 to fewer than 30,000 today. “I realized that the best possible legacy for this masterpiece,” Kaplan says, “is for it to quite literally empower the survival of the very species that inspired Rembrandt some 400 years ago.”

In a rare move, 100% of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to Panthera’s global conservation efforts, demonstrating how Kaplan links art, history, and conservation in a way few collectors do. 

The decision to part with such seminal work feels countercultural, especially in an era where collection is often conflated with accumulation. But Kaplan explains that “when Daphne and I collect, we don’t feel that we ‘own’ these paintings. We think of ourselves as temporary baton holders in a very long relay race.” 

That ethos has shaped not only The Leiden Collection, but Kaplan’s wider work and lifelong commitment to safeguarding endangered species. “Right now, we are living through a moment where we must decide what kind of world we want to pass on to future generations. A world without Rembrandt would be spiritually impoverished,” he says. “Just as a world without the roar of a lion would be biologically bankrupt.”

Don’t let the cold cramp your style. 

Sure, it’s rare to be spending hours in sub-zero temperatures whilst wearing black tie, but thought is still needed for the periods of time that you do.

Thankfully, there’s plenty of ways to stay warm in today’s world, but there’s an art of how to do so stylishly. Layers of clothes will ensure a chunky silhouette, and with temperatures warmer inside, you wouldn’t want perspiration to sodden your look. Follow the below tips to stay looking your best, while the weather remains at its worst.

Invest in sophisticated thermals

No, thermals are not just for ski vacations. Now that climate change has caused many winters to get colder, a thermal T-shirt hidden underneath a shirt seems more necessary than ever. Once you’ve started wearing them everyday, you’ll struggle to imagine your life before them.

Investing in quality thermals will result in a longer life span, and the higher price point often means you’ll have some added benefits. For example, this style from Falke is odor-resistant and moisture-wicking, stopping sweat from seeping through if you’re going into warmer temperatures.

Moncler Grenoble and Kjus also have great options. But if the temperature has really dropped, why not throw on a pair of merino long johns under your trousers? This pair from John Smedley were designed in collaboration with actor Bill Nighy, to keep him warm whilst enduring long days on set.

Knits can be formal, too

While we wouldn’t suggest it for a black-tie affair, wearing a knit over a shirt and tie can look suitably smart. In fact, it’s a look that’s been spotted on recent catwalks and menswear enthusiasts that sat front row.

Naturally, your best option is a V-neck that doesn’t have too much of a plunging neckline. Keep the color palette muted and pattern free, as attention should be on the suit and tie rather than the knit. Loro Piana, Saman Amel, and Studio Nicholson have an array worth pursuing.

Prioritize wool and cashmere formulations

Modern advancements have meant that the yarn spun from a woollyback can be found in the most unlikely clothing. No longer are wool or cashmere beholden to a knitter’s hand, you can find them formulating less chunky ready-to-wear garms.

If the occasion is more smart-casual, and you can get away with a T-shirt under your suit, Dutch-brand Extreme Cashmere has styles that are as light as a regular top but made with its namesake fibre. 

Of course, a wool suit is a winter staple that you should already have in your wardrobe. But if you’re on the search for new pieces, why not try a wool-blend for something different. Tom Ford has combined wool and mohair in this suit jacket, while Thom Sweeney offers a trendier option by adding wool to its corduroy cotton fabric.

Car journalist Lawrence Ulrich passes his expert verdict on the Bentley Continental GT. 

Ballers and brokers lavished bonuses on a British GT that was sexy, never stuffy, and drove like an armored sports car. 

Say auf Wiedersehen to that hand-built W-12, and Tag to a Continental GT whose plug-in-hybrid V-8 – co-developed with Porsche – makes it faster and far more efficient. That leaves the Aston Martin Vanquish and Ferrari 12Cilindri as the only alternatives for buyers who crave the old-school croon of a twelve-cylinder. 

The 2026 Continental GT makes its competitive case on a winter-wonderland drive in New York, dominating dicey roads with all-wheel-drive, rear-axle steering and the thundering hooves of its 4.0-liter V-8. The twin-turbo engine makes 512 horsepower, with an additional 188 from an electric motor linked to an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission. The system’s combined 671 horsepower and 686 lb-feet of torque sends the Bentley to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. That’s despite a hybrid-stuffed curb weight of about 5,400lbs, or closer to 5,800 in convertible GTC form. Choose GT Speed or Mulliner versions, and output rises to 771 horsepower and 738 lb-feet, good for a 3.1-second sprint to 60 mph, and a 208-mph top speed.

See also: Behind the Wheel of 007: Chris Corbould on James Bond’s Auto Legacy

More than ever, the Continental GT is a luxury locomotive minus the rails. The outside world silently bullets by, as passengers relax in a first-class cabin that Agatha Christie would kill for. Two passengers, that is, with rear seats largely limited to Hermes gift bags, or Bentley’s set of striped Italian luggage designed for this fourth-generation GT.

My GT coupe ticked enough bespoke boxes – with $107,000 in options – to boost its freight to $396,000. That included patterned aluminum trim, hand-engraved via a guilloche technique familiar from high-end watchmaking. Rich hides from unblemished Scandinavian bulls featured a shade called Burnt Oak. Organ-style chrome vent pulls remain a brand signature. A seemingly infinite choice of trims now includes slate of quartzite veneers, sourced from India and finished by Mulliner Division artisans in Crewe. Fellow drivers shower compliments on the Bentley’s ‘Cricket Ball Satin’ paint. The matte plum color added $21,230, enough to buy a perfectly good, used BMW. 

Bentley’s Rotating Screen flips to present three surfaces,  including a striking set of knurled analog gauges. The digital side unfortunately reveals a prosaic Audi-based infotainment screen. The laggy, low-res affair, with preposterously bad voice controls, begs for an upgrade. Apple Car Play or Android Auto will work overtime here. 

Even on a so-so set of Pirelli P Zero all-season tires, the Bentley shoulders lesser cars aside, in 17-degree ambient temperatures. Saluting West Point Military Academy as we pass, the Bentley fires off aggressive V-8 cannonades. We rocket up Route 9W, overlooking the Hudson River where British and Revolutionary troops fought for strategic control. In the midst of this martial show, a 2,200-watt Naim audio system – among the finest in all autodom – alternately soothes and rocks the cabin. 

Have I mentioned this is still a plug-in hybrid? An electrified boost allows the Bentley to save energy, not just squander it. A 22 kilowatt-hour battery supplies up to 50 miles of purely electric range, which drivers can reserve via a console switch. Burbling into Manhattan, I toggle the Bentley into “e-mode” for an emissions-free sunset cruise down the West Side Highway. Plug in faithfully, and the Continental will handle local errands – a case of Krug here, a portfolio checkup there – as virtuously as any Tesla, only much quieter. We love a twelve-cylinder engine as much as the next man, but this Bentley represents progress.

The Capricorn 01 Zagato is a mid-engine coupe making nearly 1,000 horsepower. The Capricorn 01 Zagato is a mid-engine coupe making nearly 1,000 horsepower.

Only 166 examples of the roadster left the factory in the bold color combo. Only 166 examples of the roadster left the factory in the bold color combo.

With Bridgerton back on screens, you may find yourself yearning for a tasteful touch of bygone elegance in your home. 

Bridgerton is back on screen, and the allure of Regency-era dramas is impossible to resist. Beyond the corsets and courtship, one of the show’s real draws is its interiors. Not only do the opulent sets and period buildings provide a suitable romantic backdrop for the show’s epic love stories, but they also serve to inspire modern-day homeowners looking to embrace the ever-popular trend of ‘Regencycore’.

Regencycore is the contemporary interpretation of 19th-century interior design, drawing from the styles popular in Britain during the Regency period, under the influence of the Prince Regent. Rooted in Neoclassicism, Regency interiors looked to ancient Greek and Roman architecture for proportion and symmetry, softened by richer colors, bolder ornaments, and a sense of theater. At the time, the style marked a move away from Georgian restraint, hinting at the more expressive interiors that would follow.

For those looking to incorporate Regencycore into their homes, design experts say today’s approach is all about selective referencing. Esra Kumbasar, senior design director at Accouter, recommends a deliberate but restrained approach. “While Regencycore naturally lends itself to period properties, it translates just as effectively into modern homes when approached with intention,” she says. “Contemporary properties benefit from carefully-curated Regency nods that sit comfortably within a modern framework, rather than replicating the style in full.”

Lara Clarke, founder of Lara Clarke Interiors, echoes this more subtle approach, affirming Regencycore is not about grand remodeling, but selective, thoughtful additions. “In a modern space, it is less about historical accuracy and more about capturing the atmosphere,” she says. “You don’t need high ceilings to add a touch of romance or grandeur; it’s about how you dress the space you have.”

See more: How to Build a Nightclub in Your Basement

Color is often the most effective entry point. “People are no longer afraid of color; in fact, they are craving it,” says Clarke. Traditional Regency palettes – and some of Bridgerton’s most memorable rooms – lean towards light blues, greens, and pinks, offset by deeper jewel tones, creams, and soft neutrals. “Pink and green is a classic Regency combination that works beautifully today,” Clarke notes. “Think soft pistachios or sage greens paired with a dusty rose.”

Art also plays a central role in dressing a more modern space with a Regency-era edge. Stuart Geddes, managing director of The Lanesborough, one of London’s Regency grand dames, echoes this sentiment, noting the value of curated pieces in bringing historical context and a visual story to a space. 

“When selecting art, look for works that reflect the tastes of affluent households of the early 19th century,” he suggests. Speaking to his own experience dressing the luxury hotel, he recounts, “at The Lanesborough, a 2,000-piece collection was developed in collaboration with VISTO and Alberto Pinto Interior Design, reinforcing the feel of an English gentleman’s home from the 1830s and elevating the Regency character throughout the hotel.”

Texture and detailing are where Regencycore really comes into its own. Interior designer Katharine Pooley suggests introducing period-inspired accessories such as tassels and trimmings on curtains, cushions, or upholstery. These softer details, she notes, add depth and warmth, particularly as light moves through a room. 

To build on these softer accents, subtle gilding or muted gold elements can be incorporated to highlight architectural features or period accessories. Kumbasar suggests antique gold, brass, and bronze finishes to add warmth and a sense of heritage “without feeling excessive.”

Bedrooms are particularly well-suited to Regencycore makeovers. Clarke points to bed canopies and half-testers as surprisingly easy ways to introduce drama, height, and a focal point in a more plain, contemporary room. Layering fabrics is key here: Pooley recommends silk or cashmere bed curtains with embroidered edges, alongside generously-sized, plump cushions to build softness and depth.

While Bridgerton fever may not last forever, the Regencycore interior aesthetic seems to be moving with the times, as experts see shifts away from the beige-ification of interiors. “We are most certainly moving away from pared-back minimalism,” says Kumbasar. “There is a renewed appreciation for spaces that feel considered and lived-in rather than stark or overly restrained.”

She notes a shift towards spaces that celebrate character, in whatever form that may be. “After spending so much time in our homes recently, there is a renewed desire for spaces that express personality and spark joy.” And Regencycore certainly ticks those boxes.

Trebbiano is ready for the spotlight. Trebbiano is ready for the spotlight.

The Broad Arrow Auction cofounder talks the impact of the coming Great Wealth Transfer and more. The Broad Arrow Auction cofounder talks the impact of the coming Great Wealth Transfer and more.

Think you don’t like smoky scotch? Give Port Charlotte 18 a try and reconsider. Think you don’t like smoky scotch? Give Port Charlotte 18 a try and reconsider.

Steeped in the gold industry for generations, the Betts brothers believe it’s time investors and consumers alike know exactly where their precious metals come from—and they have a compelling case. Steeped in the gold industry for generations, the Betts brothers believe it’s time investors and consumers alike know exactly where their precious metals come from—and they have a compelling case.