Thrift Store Acquisition in New Hampshire: Woman's $4 Purchase Could Tally up to a Whopping $250,000 Valuation
An accidental find at a New Hampshire thrift shop has unearthed a long-lost painting by renowned American artist N.C. Wyeth. The illustration, which was one of four created for the 1939 edition of Helen Hunt Jackson's novel Ramona, was discovered six years ago for a mere $4.
Experts now estimate the painting could fetch up to a quarter of a million dollars at auction, scheduled for September 19 at Bonhams Skinner Auction House in Marlborough, Massachusetts.
The serendipitous discovery occurred in 2017 when a woman was searching for old frames at a Savers. Amid a pile of frames, she spotted a dusty painting that caught her eye. Unaware of its potential value, she purchased it for $4 and hung it in her room.
Years later, during spring cleaning, she stumbled upon the painting again and, out of curiosity, posted photos of it on a Facebook group called "Things Found in Walls." The post caught the attention of Lauren Lewis, a conservator from Maine, who subsequently determined the painting was an original N.C. Wyeth work.
The back of the frame, featuring distinctive red Weber 'Renaissance' panels, provided key evidence that the painting was an original Wyeth creation. Kathleen Leland, a specialist in American and European art at Bonhams Skinner, affirmed this, stating that Wyeth began using such panels in the mid-1930s.
While cases of valuable art pieces being discovered in unexpected places are rare, especially by those without a background in the art world, this is not the first instance of such a find. Wyeth, known for his ability to enhance the mood and character development of text with vibrant, action-packed scenes, vivid colors, and skillful use of light and shadow, was one of the most celebrated illustrators of the early 20th century.
One of his most notable works is the illustration of the 1911 printing of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. His son, Andrew, also achieved fame as an illustrator, posthumously receiving the 2007 National Medal of Arts.
This particular painting, which was likely a gift from Wyeth or the book publishers to the editor or Jackson's estate, is one of only four known illustrations for the 1939 edition of Ramona. Two of the four illustrations are currently lost.
The upcoming auction at Bonhams Skinner promises to be a significant event in the world of American art, offering collectors and fans the opportunity to add a historical and rare piece to their collection.
Intrigued by her discovery at a New Hampshire thrift shop, the woman might consider selling the newly valued N.C. Wyeth painting at the Bonhams Skinner Auction House in Massachusetts, where it could potentially be a strong addition to any art collector's lifestyle, particularly those with an interest in books and entertainment.
Subsequently, should the painting fetch its estimated price at the auction, its new owner could delight in the knowledge that they possess one of only four known illustrations for the 1939 edition of Ramona, making it a prized possession in the realm of American art history.
