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The woman assumed that the portrait was of Renoir’s wife Aline Charigot and dates back to a period when the French artist “paid a lot of attention to light and shading.”
The painting was purchased for Rs 1026. (Photo Credit: X)
Ancient paintings are invaluable treasures, often holding historical significance far beyond their initial appearance. A woman from Pennsylvania, Heidi Markow, recently experienced the surprise of a lifetime when she discovered the true worth of a drawing she purchased for just $12 (approximately Rs 1,026) from a curio shop.
The artwork, a charcoal painting, is believed to be the work of renowned French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, dating back to the 18th century. Markow, who runs an antique business, was instantly captivated by the piece when she spotted it at a collector’s auction in Montgomery County earlier this year.
Determined to make it hers, she shared her excitement with her husband, who had little difficulty securing the 17.5in-by-16.5in drawing. Reflecting on the moment, she told ABC News, “Paintings were selling for $1,000, $2,000, even $3,000 as the auction went on. I had no idea what this was—I just knew I wanted it. It stood out as something truly special.”
After coming back home, Markow closely looked at the painting and spotted a rare stamp on the back. She also doubted that someone imported the artwork to the US and sold it to a prominent collector. The drawing also featured a faint signature, which experts claimed to be of Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Markow assumed that the portrait was of Renoir’s wife Aline Charigot and dates back to a period when the artist “paid a lot of attention to light and shading”. She researched further and watched several documentaries about Renoir.
As she was unable to uncover the truth, Markow contracted Sotheby’s, which referred her to a veteran art appraiser with 43 years of experience. After analysing the drawing, the appraiser simply said, “Congratulations.” Markow then sent the artwork to the Wildenstein Plattner Institute, a New York-based non-profit institution preserving ancient paintings.
A group of experts is slated to authenticate the drawing on April 10. “They believe it’s authentic. It’s rigorous, they’re pretty tough with their examination. I’m cautiously optimistic,” Markow said. If her assumptions turn true, Markow may sell the piece for more than $1 million (nearly Rs 8.5 crore).
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
