Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest refused to sell his ‘estate sale junk’ after expert told him about its value (marketrealist.com)
Talk about a lucky find! One man’s “junk” turned into a treasure on a recent episode of Antiques Roadshow.
He and his son, who frequent auctions and estate sales, stumbled upon a box of what they thought was junk on a rainy day. For just $45, they snagged the box, more interested in the frame than its contents.
Little did they know, inside, wrapped in old Saran Wrap, was a painting by renowned African-American artist Benny Andrews.
The painting, an oil and tempera piece, depicts a woman in a vibrant yellow dress and is believed to be one of Andrews’ early works, possibly inspired by his childhood in the South. Expert Nigel Freeman was thrilled with the discovery, praising the artwork’s beauty, vibrant colors, and unique patterns. While Andrews is known for incorporating collage into his later works, this piece, according to Freeman, is special because of its size, early exploration of color, and the captivating subject.
Freeman estimated the painting’s auction value between $7,000 and $10,000, much to the astonishment of the owner, who had initially planned to sell it online. Needless to say, those plans quickly changed after hearing the appraisal. This lucky find proves that sometimes, one person’s trash truly is another’s treasure.