‘Fake’ Rembrandt self-portrait worth €19m

A “FAKE” Rembrandt self-portrait that once boasted a guide price of just £1,000 is today worth up to £15 million (€19m) after an expert confirmed it was genuine.

The Young Rembrandt as Democrates the Laughing Philosopher, came to up for auction last year, but was only attributed to “a follower” of the Dutch master.

Auctioneers Moore Allen and Innocent had consulted with the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam — one of the leading authorities on the artist — and were told it was not genuine.