A Pennsylvania woman, Heidi Markow, stumbled upon an unexpected treasure when she purchased a charcoal painting for just $12 (approximately Rs 1,026) at a curio shop. The artwork is now believed to be an original piece by renowned French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, potentially dating back to the 18th century.
A Hidden Masterpiece Discovered
Markow, who runs an antique business, spotted the painting at a collector’s auction in Montgomery County earlier this year. Captivated by its unique charm, she convinced her husband to secure the 17.5in-by-16.5in drawing. Speaking to ABC News, she recalled, “Paintings were selling for $1,000, $2,000, even $3,000 as the auction went on. I had no idea what this was—I just knew I wanted it. It stood out as something truly special.”
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After bringing the artwork home, Markow examined it closely and noticed a rare stamp on the back. This detail, along with a faint signature, led her to suspect that the piece had been imported to the U.S. and sold to a prominent collector. Experts later confirmed the signature likely belonged to Renoir.
Authentication Underway
Markow believes the portrait could depict Renoir’s wife, Aline Charigot, from a period when the artist focused heavily on light and shading. She deepened her research by watching documentaries about Renoir but needed professional verification. Seeking expert opinion, she reached out to Sotheby’s, which referred her to a seasoned art appraiser with 43 years of experience. After analyzing the drawing, the expert simply said, “Congratulations.”
She then sent the piece to the Wildenstein Plattner Institute, a New York-based non-profit specializing in preserving historic artwork. A team of experts is set to authenticate the drawing on April 10. “They believe it’s authentic. It’s rigorous, they’re pretty tough with their examination. I’m cautiously optimistic,” Markow shared.
If the painting is verified as a genuine Renoir, Markow could be looking at a windfall exceeding $1 million (nearly Rs 8.5 crore). Her incredible find serves as a reminder that hidden treasures can be found in the most unexpected places.
