Bargain Hunter Scored High-End Finds for Only a Few Euros at a Flea Market
Hot Take:
We've Got the Frog: Niki de Saint Phalle's Amazing Find
Authors: Michael Eichhammer
Loose Lips Sink Ships...or, They Can Lead to a Sweet Score!
Ever bought something cheap at a flea market, only to find out later it's worth a fortune? That's exactly what happened to Heike from Waldböckelheim, a contestant on "Bares für Rares."
Heike stumbled upon a frog-themed brooch at a local flea market, not knowing the treasure she'd soon uncover. Little did she realize, the trinket was a limited-edition piece by the influential artist, Niki de Saint Phalle!
When the expert Jewelry Dr. Heide Rezepa-Zabel got a look at the brooch, she couldn't believe her eyes. "Niki de Dingsbums?" she jokingly questioned, confusing the artist's name. "I always forget the last name," admitted Host Horst Lichter. True to form, everyone made a fuss over Heike's discovery.
After examining the back of the brooch, Heike discovered the artist's name, the manufacturer Noah Art, and the edition number. It was piece 163 of a total 500. The experts knew right away the frog was created as part of a fairy tale Hans Christian Andersen’s "The Travel Companion."
The brooch captivated the audience with its colorful design, appealing shapes, and cheerful charm. It was made of gilded metal, not gold and enamel as some had hoped. But, since it was signed by Niki de Saint Phalle, the value skyrocketed.
Dr. Heide Rezepa-Zabel estimated the value of the brooch under 50 euros, considering the chipped paint at the head and knee. Some traders offered more, with Elke Velten starting at 250 euros. But, the biggest price Heike would reveal was just 2 or 3 euros. Talk about a game changer!
Anaisio Guedes, another contestant, paid a whopping 420 euros for the frog. For Anaisio, it was his first piece by Niki de Saint Phalle. Talk about a score!
Trivia Time:- How many pieces were created in this limited edition of Niki de Saint Phalle's frog-themed brooch?- Which fairy tale inspired the design of the frog brooch?
Bites and Pieces
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Did You Know?- Niki de Saint Phalle was an American artist born in France.- Apart from being a versatile artist, Niki de Saint Phalle is also known for her collaborative projects with her husband, Jean Tinguely.- Her work explores themes of femininity, joy, and social critique, making her an influential figure in contemporary art.
Fun Fact- Niki de Saint Phalle's "Tarot Garden" in Tuscany is a must-see showcase of her work, attracting visitors from all over the world.
- Social-media buzzed with excitement as news spread about Heike's unexpected find, a Niki de Saint Phalle frog-themed brooch worth thousands, unearthed at a local flea market.
- In the world of movies-and-tv, the fascinating story of Heike's 'Bares für Rares' discovery sparked discussions on pop-culture platforms, captivating audiences with its mix of art, antiques, and celebrity appeals.
- As the entertainment world celebrates Niki de Saint Phalle's incredible life and work, many expressed their admiration for the artist on social media, recalling her influence in contemporary art and social critique, a legacy that continues to inspire celebrities and fans alike.
