Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest stunned to learn his Northern Lights painting is worth more than he imagined (marketrealist.com)
A Stunning Alaskan Aurora: “Antiques Roadshow” Guest Amazed by Painting’s Value
A breathtaking painting of the Northern Lights recently made an appearance on “Antiques Roadshow,” leaving its owner pleasantly surprised by its substantial appraisal value. The painting, a beautiful depiction of the Aurora Borealis shimmering over a snow-covered Alaskan landscape, was created by Swedish-American artist Rusty Heurlin in 1964 at the request of the guest’s grandfather. A treasured family heirloom passed down through generations, the artwork holds special significance for the current owner, who remarked on its ability to evoke the feeling of witnessing the Northern Lights for the first time.
Appraiser Colleene Fesko provided insight into Heurlin’s life, noting his birth in Sweden, his move to the Boston area, his art studies at the Fenway School of Illustration, and his eventual settlement in Alaska in 1916. Heurlin, whose full name was Magnus Colcord Heurlin, developed a deep affection for Alaska, a passion clearly reflected in his artwork.
Fesko praised the painting’s subtle blue palette and its remarkable ability to capture a sense of tranquility. She pointed out the artist’s signature, “Heurlin,” his middle name, as opposed to his nickname, Rusty.
The painting’s auction estimate, according to Fesko, ranged from $40,000 to $60,000, with a recommended insurance value of $75,000. The owner, clearly astonished by the appraisal, confirmed the painting’s irreplaceable status as a cherished family possession and expressed no intention of selling it.