A masterpiece acquired for a pittance? It’s possible. Indeed, as reported The Parisian on August 31, an American woman discovered that she had a work of art worth 250,000 dollars (230,000 euros), which she had unearthed for only 4 dollars in a second-hand store. In August 2017, she bought this painting in Manchester, New Hampshire, unaware of its true value.
For six years, this antique lover owned this painting without realizing the exceptional value of this work. The painting was displayed among other damaged posters and prints. After searching the internet unsuccessfully to try to estimate the value of the painting, she hung the work in her bedroom for a few years before storing it in a closet. But in May 2023, while she was cleaning her house, she decided to resume her research.
Painting bought for $4 at New Hampshire thrift shop could sell for $250,000 at auction via @wbz
— Robin Pogrebin (@rpogrebin) August 29, 2023
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A painting by Newell Converse Wyeth
She then posted a message on a Facebook group called “Things found in the walls”, where she received advice from Internet users. Thanks to them, she contacted a former museum curator who was familiar with the career of the American painter Newell Convers Wyeth (1882-1945). This specialist confirmed the authenticity of the work and declared to be “99% certain” that it was indeed a painting made by the artist. She pointed out that it was in remarkable condition despite some minor scratches and the need for surface cleaning.
The painting, which dates from 1939, had been missing for eighty years. It will be auctioned on September 19, 2023. It is one of four illustrations the artist has produced for a new edition of the novel Ramona by Helen Hunt Jackson (1884). This incredible discovery will allow the happy owner to take advantage of his unexpected acquisition.
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2023-09-03 09:00:47
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