High-profile seller faces financial loss at "Bares for Rares" due to minor issue in valuable item sale
In a recent episode of the popular German TV show "Bares für Rares," a unique tempera on paper work by the internationally renowned artist Christian Rohlfs was put up for auction. The painting, which had been hidden away in Anja's closet for ten years after she inherited it from her great-aunt, was created in 1919, a year after the end of World War I.
The painting, featuring a figure with a red, clenched fist, was described as grim and angry. Despite its powerful imagery, the painting was considered "typical closet art" by art expert Horst Lichter, who found it difficult to sell due to its heavy subject matter. Lichter recognized a strong man in the painting, but he blamed the auction house for the painting's poor performance, stating "A lot of money for a small painting."
Before trying to sell the painting at an auction house, Anja obtained an authenticity certificate to ensure its authenticity. However, the painting had a history of difficult auction sales, and the attempt to sell it on "Bares für Rares" was no exception. Susanne Steiger offered 500 euros for the painting, but expressed skepticism due to the "difficult theme" and the failed auction. David Suppes, another expert on the show, didn't know the artist, adding to the painting's perceived lower value.
Christian Rohlfs, born in 1849, was a prominent German expressionist painter, known for his bold use of color and brushwork. Although highly regarded, his name does not command the same global market premium as artists like Kirchner or Nolde, which affects auction excitement and prices. This, combined with the painting's difficult subject matter and limited availability, likely contributed to its lower-than-expected selling price on the show.
Despite the painting's modest sale, Rohlfs's works are held in many collections and are respected in the art world. If you are interested in purchasing a Rohlfs painting, consulting an art expert or auction house specializing in German Expressionism is recommended for accurate valuation and appraisal.
In summary, the Christian Rohlfs painting on "Bares für Rares" sold for less than its value due to a combination of factors including limited auction frequency, moderate market recognition, work condition and provenance, and the TV show's valuation approach. Rohlfs's paintings can have respectable value, but a relatively low auction history and moderate market demand often cause cautious valuations on shows like "Bares für Rares." No specific auction or valuation information directly tied to the TV show appearance was found in the search results.
The painting, despite its powerful imagery and connection to a renowned artist, was difficult to sell due to its heavy subject matter and modest market recognition, thus making it an example of 'typical entertainment' where auction results may fall short of expectations. An art expert, recognizing the strength of the man depicted in the painting, highlighted the auction house's role in the painting's poor performance by stating "A lot of money for a small painting," indicating that such sales can sometimes be influenced by 'entertainment' factors rather than exclusive art valuations.
