Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest gets $400,000 appraisal for painting — then says it’s too priceless to sell (marketrealist.com)
Priceless Masterpiece: “Antiques Roadshow” Guest Rejects $400,000 Appraisal for Basquiat Painting
A recent episode of “Antiques Roadshow” saw a guest receive a stunning $400,000 appraisal for a Jean-Michel Basquiat oil stick painting, only to declare it “priceless” and firmly refuse to sell.
The painting’s owner, who worked in construction and attended art school in New York from 1979 to 1985, revealed the artwork was a Christmas gift from a former business partner, Chris Sedlmayr. Basquiat himself, a helper for Sedlmayr at the time, was responsible for the piece.
“Antiques Roadshow” expert David Weiss was visibly impressed by the artwork, noting its potential as one of the artist’s earliest works. The guest also presented a letter from his business partner, detailing the painting’s origin in Sedlmayr’s loft and a fascinating anecdote about Basquiat re-signing some drawings after hearing they might be sold.
Weiss highlighted Basquiat’s significant impact on the art world, mentioning that a Basquiat piece holds the record for the most expensive work by an American artist ever sold at auction, exceeding $110 million. He described the oil stick on paper as embodying the artist’s signature style, often featuring signs and symbols that delve into themes of class, race, and social upheaval.
Despite the impressive valuation, a caveat emerged regarding the painting’s authenticity. Weiss explained that the committee responsible for officially authenticating Basquiat’s works had disbanded, making a 100% certainty challenging. Nevertheless, he confidently estimated the artwork’s insurance value at $400,000.
However, the guest’s response was unwavering. “That’s good.
But we won’t sell it, we’ll keep it,” he stated, reinforcing the sentiment shared by many “Antiques Roadshow” participants who prioritize sentimental value over monetary gain. This Basquiat painting, steeped in personal history, will clearly remain a cherished possession.