Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest refuses to believe that her mom’s 1931 portrait was worth a fortune (marketrealist.com)
A guest on “Antiques Roadshow” got quite the surprise when she brought her mother’s childhood portrait for appraisal. While hoping for a decent valuation, she was stunned into disbelief when expert Robin Starr placed its worth at a staggering $32,000.
The guest recounted the painting’s history, explaining that it depicted her mother at age four and was painted by Adelaide Chase, a well-known Boston artist. Remarkably, her family owned three other Chase portraits – one of her grandmother and two from her father’s side. Starr confirmed Chase’s prominence as a society painter in early 20th century Boston, noting her training under renowned artists Frank Benson and Edmund Tarbell at the Boston Museum School and further studies at the Académie Julian in Paris.
Starr described the portrait as a beautiful example of the Boston School style, showcasing an American Impressionist approach with a subtle palette and expertly rendered textures. Even the frame, crafted by the renowned Boston frame maker Thulin in collaboration with artists Hermann Dudley Murphy and Charles Prendergast, added to the painting’s value. Starr emphasized the frame’s significance, calling the combined artwork and frame the “quintessential Boston package.”
Knowing the guest wouldn’t sell the cherished heirloom, Starr suggested an insurance value of $32,000. The guest’s incredulous response of “No, sir!”
was met with Starr’s playful retort, “You knew your mom was a winner!” The guest, clearly overwhelmed, thanked Starr, acknowledging her mother’s belief in the portrait’s importance.