Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ expert says ‘it’s almost like winning lottery’ after revealing the value of a painting (marketrealist.com)
A “Night Market” Masterpiece Makes an “Antiques Roadshow” Guest Very Happy
An “Antiques Roadshow” guest was stunned to learn the value of a family heirloom painting. The artwork, a nighttime market scene near the docks, featured a woman illuminated by candlelight.
The expert appraiser was captivated by the piece, praising the artist’s masterful depiction of light and shadow. He pointed out the subtle glow emanating from the candles and how it played across the figures in the scene.
The guest explained the painting had belonged to her husband’s family. His father, who worked at a fish market, had been particularly fond of it. She, too, loved the piece and chose to keep it when the family home was divided.
The painting was identified as the work of Petrus van Schendel, a Dutch artist known for his exceptional candlelight paintings (active 1830-1870). The appraiser noted van Schendel’s current popularity at auction, indicating a strong market for his work.
After a careful examination, the painting was valued at a staggering £70,000 to £90,000 (approximately $94,000 to $121,000). The appraiser even suggested insuring it for £100,000 (about $134,000). The guest was overwhelmed with joy, hardly able to believe the news.
Viewers online also expressed their admiration for the painting. One commenter described the remarkable effect of van Schendel’s candlelight technique, while another simply wished they possessed such artistic talent.