Rembrandt etching sells for £225,000 at auction

An etching by the Dutch artist Rembrandt has sold for £225,000 at an auction of the personal collection of internet entrepreneur and philanthropist Hugo Burge.

Mr Burge – who died two years ago aged 51 – collected a wide range of art, ceramics and furniture which was on display at his homes at Marchmont House in the Borders and in London.

The Three Trees, an etching from 1643, is widely considered to be one of the artist’s finest landscapes.

The funds raised from the auction will go to the foundation named in Mr Burge’s honour which aims to “support and inspire creativity” across the UK.

The Rembrandt was sold – along with hundreds of other items from the collection – by auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull.

The money raised will go to the Hugo Burge Foundation (HBF).

Established in 2019, it offers awards, runs courses, hosts events and funds apprenticeships, providing free studios and workspaces for artists and craftspeople in the Scottish Borders.

Author and broadcaster Dr James Fox, creative director of the HBF, said Mr Burge had been “an astute businessman, an enlightened collector and a tireless evangelist for the arts”.

He said his “enthusiasm and generosity touched the lives of innumerable people and transformed the cultural landscape of the Scottish Borders”.

The HBF aims to continue his work by supporting the arts, crafts and creative industries all over the United Kingdom.

The proceeds from the sale will be used to advance those efforts.

Gavin Strang, managing director of Lyon & Turnbull said it was “honoured” to play a part in developing Mr Burge’s legacy.

“We hope the auction will encourage others to enjoy collecting and to support creative people, just as Hugo did,” he added.