My Real Life Antique Roadshow-Style Find
Hi everyone! Last week I wrote about the tour my sweet husband and I took of Lindenwald (President Van Buren’s home). In that post I mentioned that I had a “secret” appointment in nearby Claverack. Today I’m revealing who we met with and for what purpose.
It all started this past August when we took a day trip to Chatham (NY). On the way into town, we stopped at a garage sale, and I spotted a piece of artwork. Right away I recognized the bottom two renderings as “take offs” of Matisse. I found the middle portion quite lovely as well. When told it cost $10, I asked would they take $8, and they said yes.
Once I got home, I examined the painting more closely and discovered that it was an original piece of art. I knew this because I could see the texture of the paint and the lettering.
When I looked up the artist–Michael Eisemann–online, I learned that he is an Israeli artist of some renown. Many of his works mirror this one in size and style. Often they are broken into three sections as this one is. He also signs his name in Hebrew in the lower left corner of the painting, as he did in this one. If this find turned out to be an original and not just a serigraph (classy poster), then it might be worth in the $1500-2500 range. Crazy right?
Even if it were “just” a serigraph (a silkscreen process used by artists themselves to reproduce their own fine art), it could be worth about $250.
While conducting the online research, I discovered a gallery that deals with Eismann’s works. I gave the gal a call and we had a brief chat. When it came right down to it, I would have to bring the piece to her in Claverack to get an authentication.
So that’s what we did. My sweet, indulgent husband and I drove down to Claverack, stopping at Lindenwald for a tour on the way south. As I unloaded the painting from the van, I could see the gallery owner’s eyes widen slightly. “I think it’s an original,” she whispered. Oh happy day! I have an original Eismann painting in my possession!
I am working with the gallery owner to secure a buyer. The market in this price range, as with many other collecting categories, like furniture, is rather flat. Given my investment of $8, however, I think there’s plenty of wiggle room.
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Wow! What a great find but it is so beautiful that I would keep it if it was my find.
Several years ago I purchased a book Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago, 1909 for 25 cents. It was a numbered edition 392/1650. I figured it had some value after I brought it home and did some research. Met with Leslie Hindman Auctioneers and placed it in one of their auctions that had a focus on Chicago history. It sold for $1,800.
I love your artwork…a beautiful piece! Wonderful find! I have found a couple of very nice paintings by listed artists…always a thrill!
Wow, thats so cool! Congratulations!
Awesome! My best find is no where near as cool at that. I think a stack of vintage Fiesta plates for 10cents might be my best moment in junking!
Wow – I always dream of finding something in a garage sale that is worth big bucks. Good for you. I'd sell it in an instant and use the money to do something special..
This is awesome, and it's really pretty too! I hope the news is good. What a great find, I love stories like this. I found a huge and very ugly painting at a yard sale a few years ago for $5. The only reason I bought it was because it was cheap and because it was a signed original. Did some research, brought it to an auction house and they sold it online for $2,150. That was quite a profit even after their 10% commission. Looking forward to hearing more about yours!!
Diana, your keen eye led you to a score. I personally would not have been drawn to that particular work, but I absolutely love that you were smart enough to nab it. Can't wait to hear your outcome.
Wow! What a blessing!!! (I can almost hear the Lord saying, "Buy this one, dear daughter.")
What a great story!
Hallelujah! Love the piece, but I'd sell, too. Kudos on your good eye, and keep us posted!
I forgot to say…my best find to date was a 1931 golf trophy of sterling silver that had been made into a lamp. I still have it, but am probably going to list it on Etsy.
Oh Diana, what a story and what a beautiful painting! I love to read and see this! Congratulations to this found – it's the best!!! Lucky you!
Have a wonderful time
Elisabeth
I love the painting! I would have a hard time parting with it! Haven't found any thing of great value yet, but some things were so inexpensive that my profit margin was Huge when they sold! Like the $1.50 shelf that sold for $95!
Oh my gosh! How exciting! I hope you get a great price for this!! What an amazing find!
Gert
Wow! I am so impressed! Great eye, Diana! I haven't found anything with this type of value but I have had several .25 finds that yielded big profits. Some of the finds I treasure most have been ones I have upcycled for my home & garden. Have a great weekend, Cecilia
Congrats, what a great story! I love the piece.
How fun! Thanks for sharing your great find with us at our Make It Monday link party!
My best thrift store find so far is an amazing, pristine, cherry red, half dome BAKELITE bracelet for ….. Drum roll….. 49 cents. No kidding.
WOW! Love to hear these kinds of stories… and not just for the big payoff in the end (which is always good too!) but also for the passion…both for the person who found it AND the next person who will adore it. A win/win!
Thanks so much for stopping by my "Let's Talk Vintage" Linky Party and taking part! I'm sure you'll be one of my features next week!
I also thought it was great that you are an "Adirondack Girl at heart!" We are Adirondack part-timers… they are really growing on me… love our time spent there (there being the Southern end.)
Whar a great story! I had a good find once, not art but furniture. A table at goodwill for $30.00 that was early 19th century tiger oak with huge pedestal base. Just gorgeous, and no I did not sell it, it is my dining room table, I just love it.
What an awesome story. Hope you find a buyer. Thanks for sharing @ TTF.
Congratulations, Diana! Your Real Life Antique Roadshow find is featured tonight on Make It Monday. Come grab a feature button. This is so exciting – finding a real treasure!
Wow! What a great find and story. Hope you find a buyer soon.
Holy heck! That's amazing. What wonderful luck and a great eye! Congrats.
Wow, that’s awesome! I’ve never seen anything like that art before and never heard of that artist… not surprising tho! lol!
Tania
My favorite find was a .75 cent string of pearls; the clasp was broken off but in the box, and it looked like the woman had kept using the hook part of the clasp between pearls to fasten it as several had come loose. I felt very self-conscious trying to rub them on my teeth the way I’d heard to do. Looked at them closely–no paint chips flaking off like costume jewelry. They were heavy. Brought them home and compared them with my 30 year old string of cultured pearls. Took them to my local jeweler who confirmed they were real! t would have cost $80 to add 4 pearls to lengthen the string, so I had them restrung with a chain and hook at the end. Gave them to my daughter for her high school graduation (she’s a light complected blue-eyed blonde which the pearls would compliment nicely). She doesn’t like pearls; maybe the granddaughter will! I’d listened to a story from a guy who was a dump picker and yard saler. He found a whole box of Roseville at the dump once. Another time he paid 1.50 for a pair of ruby earrings set in platinum; he got $2200 for them (Rubies cast a golden light when light passes through them, he said). So I listen to these stories…you never know when YOU may find the treasure because you knew what to look for!
Well, how very cool! It’s an interesting and pretty piece, but I don’t know if I would have been drawn to it. But, what luck that you were! So did the gallery person actually authenticate it? If so, you are probably about to cash in, dearie! Will you and your sweet husband have any trouble deciding what to do with the winnings? A cruise, an addition to the house, a new car, blah, blah, blah! i’m so happy for you and I can’t wait for the next installment!
Wow! How cool! You never know what you are going to find. 🙂
Well? Did you sell it? Do tell!