By Montserrat Arqué
02 Aug 2024, 17:37 PM EDT
An incredible story of luck and discovery has emerged in New Hampshire, where a work by famous American illustrator NC Wyeth was acquired for just $4 in a second-hand goods store.
This chance find has caused quite a stir in the art world and the work is now expected to fetch between $150,000 and $250,000 at an upcoming auction.
It all began when a woman, whose name has not been revealed, bought a painting in a second-hand shop for a modest sum.
Despite not knowing the real value of the work, the woman was intrigued by the painting and decided to investigate its origin on the Internet. However, at that time she found no relevant information, so she put the painting away in a closet, where it remained forgotten for years.
The story took an unexpected turn when the woman decided to post a photo of the painting on a Facebook group called “Things Found on Walls.” The post quickly caught the attention of Lauren Lewis, an art conservator from Maine, who became interested in the piece.
Lewis, an expert on N.C. Wyeth’s work, immediately recognized the illustrator’s unmistakable style. After analyzing the painting, she determined that it was one of Wyeth’s possible cover designs for the 1939 edition of Helen Hunt Jackson’s novel “Ramona.” The painting depicts a crucial moment in the plot, showing the protagonist alongside her adoptive mother.
NC Wyeth is known for his vibrant and detailed illustrations, which have graced the pages of numerous classic books. His work has left an indelible mark on the history of American art, and his works are highly valued by collectors and art historians alike.
The discovery of this particular work is significant as it adds another piece to Wyeth’s legacy and offers a unique insight into his creative process. Despite its importance, it remains a mystery how this painting ended up in a second-hand shop and at such a low price.
The NC Wyeth work will be auctioned in September 2024 at Bonhams Skinner, a renowned auction house in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Experts estimate that the auction could begin with a starting bid of between $150,000 and $250,000, reflecting the historical and artistic value of the piece.
This event has generated great expectations in the art world, and is expected to attract collectors from all over the country.
Keep reading:
* Woman buys handbag for $995 and later discovers it is actually worth $1.8 million
* Star Trek comic book sells for record $46,500 at auction
* Giant bottle of whiskey goes for $1.4 million at auction