Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest says ‘that’s ridiculous’ after expert revealed the value of her old painting (marketrealist.com)
A “That’s ridiculous!” was the surprised reaction of one Antiques Roadshow guest after learning the true value of a painting she’d owned for 45 years. The painting, hanging in Grace’s home for decades, turned out to be worth a staggering $20,000 to $30,000.
Appraiser Alasdair Nichol had a bit of fun with Grace, initially questioning the painting’s orientation. She explained that after hanging it one way, friends convinced her to flip it, and it had remained that way for over 40 years. Nichol, with a twinkle in his eye, pointed to the artist’s signature – Levi Wells Prentice – as the ultimate clue.
He went on to detail Prentice’s history as an Adirondack artist born around 1850, known for his distinctive realist style. Grace had purchased the piece from a New York art shop for a mere $50 or $60 and admitted to adding a “terrible” frame, a sentiment Nichol playfully agreed with.
Prentice’s still life paintings, particularly those featuring fruit spilling from baskets, are highly sought after by collectors. This, combined with the current market demand, explained the painting’s impressive valuation.
Grace, clearly stunned, expressed her continued love for the artwork, now even more meaningful given its newfound worth. Nichol ended the appraisal with a lighthearted jab, suggesting the masterpiece deserved a better frame.