Jan Brueghel the Elder Painting Sells for £5 Million at Frieze Masters 2026
On Wednesday, October 14th, Frieze London and Frieze Masters 2026 opened their doors to VIPs at Regent’s Park, with a painting by Jan Brueghel the Elder topping reported sales. Hauser & Wirth sold Brueghel’s Still Life of Flowers in a Stoneware Vase (circa 1607–08) for approximately £5 million ($6.64 million) at Frieze Masters. This artwork boasts an impressive history, having once belonged to the Rothschild collection, been seized by the Nazis, and later restituted. Iwan Wirth, president of the gallery, remarked, “This is an undisputed milestone,” highlighting the significance of the sale. Early reports indicated strong interest in both historical and contemporary art, with many galleries noting sold-out displays. The sale eclipsed last year’s top transaction.
Key facts
- Jan Brueghel the Elder's painting led sales at Frieze London and Frieze Masters 2026.
- The painting, Still Life of Flowers in a Stoneware Vase (ca. 1607–08), sold for around £5 million ($6.64 million).
- Hauser & Wirth made the sale at Frieze Masters.
- The painting previously belonged to the Rothschild collection, was seized by the Nazis, and later restituted.
- Iwan Wirth, gallery president, called the sale an 'undisputed milestone'.
- The fairs opened to VIPs on Wednesday, October 14th, at Regent’s Park, London.
- Several galleries reported sold-out presentations.
- The sale surpassed the leading transaction from last year’s fair.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Hauser & Wirth
- Frieze London
- Frieze Masters
- Rothschild collection
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Regent’s Park
Sources
- Artsy —