Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ expert has an unusual request for viewers after guest brings a vintage painting (marketrealist.com)
A “Mystery Masterpiece” on Antiques Roadshow?
An Antiques Roadshow expert found herself stumped by a captivating painting, turning to viewers for help in unraveling its secrets. Expert Alexandra Gill was immediately intrigued by the artwork brought in by a guest, describing it as “incredibly unusual.” The painting, which had resided in All Saints Church for at least 50 years, is the work of Sienese artist Riccardo Meacci, a relatively obscure figure who worked between the 1850s and 1930s.
Gill was impressed by the painting’s distinct Pre-Raphaelite style, noting the meticulous detail, particularly in the botanical elements. “It’s really detailed, little daisies down here, and that’s very Pre-Raphaelite,” she observed.
However, the subject of the painting remained a mystery. Gill speculated that it could depict St.
George, due to the presence of a cross and a crowned helmet. However, she acknowledged the rarity of St.
George as a subject in Italian art, adding to the enigma. Unsure of the painting’s true subject, Gill made a public appeal to Antiques Roadshow viewers for any information that could shed light on the mystery.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding its subject, Gill appraised the painting, noting some damage and fading. She estimated its auction value between £1,000 and £1,500 (approximately $1,300 to $2,000), a figure that left the guest pleasantly surprised. Gill expressed her gratitude to the guest for bringing in such a fascinating and unusual piece, leaving viewers with a captivating art historical puzzle.