the wow factor



I'm a firm believer that the most interesting decor pieces come from thrift and antique stores. I love mixing vintage with new things, but I'll take patina and quirkyness over new and mass-produced any day. Every day.  

But could I please just catch a break like this....? The painting pictured above was purchased recently for $3 from a Goodwill store less than an hour from my home. Last Saturday, the painting sold for $190,000 at auction. Geez. Turns out it's a Flemish piece from around 1650.

Nice to know this does really happen. Now, if I could only have it happen to me...

20 comments:

An Urban Cottage said...

That painting makes me want to give up chicken. But that's a pretty awesome story.

Acquired Objects said...

Isn't that always how it happens but at least it happens and so glad for the ones it happens to!

Enjoy your day!
XX
Debra~

La Dolfina said...

So cool!
Love these stories....
What are you waiting for, go to the Goodwill!!!!
My mom just scored 2 Hermes blouses at a thrift store on Sunday!!!

paula said...

what?!?! now that is just insane!

3 Peanuts said...

Wow...that is a fabulous story!!! Who would have known?

Fleaing France & French Shopping Tours said...

Absolutely! Could not have said it better. I will take a one of kind piece with a history and story to go with it over anything that a someone can mass produce any time.

Miranda said...

I LIVE for stories like this!

Unknown said...

Ha. Ya serious Me too. If only.

I can't believe that $3. Makes me want to go thrift shopping right now. :)

helle said...

What an adventure! We all dream of doing this finds, it CAN happen to someone lucky!


Helle:-

Lisa Mende Design said...

I do love Goodwill and Thrift stores but have never been lucky enough to score anything worth much other than entertainment for myself for a couple of hours!

Unknown said...

Wow is right! That's when I wish I was an Art History major and would know the difference b/w something pretty and something pretty+valuable!

Sounds like a trip to that Goodwill might be in order!
xo Elizabeth

Shauna at Classically Chic Design said...

I completely agree!! I love a beautiful "find"!! Love the post. I am new to "blogland" and would love for you to drop by. Have a great day.

Sincerely
Shauna

purodeco said...

A good story, interesting to read about!

Tobe | BIA said...

that's....insane. no wonder people become hoarders. i would never peg that for $190K

Unknown said...

Seriously? That is just so crazy! I am always encouraging people to get rid of stuff - and I will take it to the goodwill myself for them just to help the process - I better be more careful!!!

Rachel Joins the Fray said...

That is quite a stunning painting!

Thank you for the sweet comment today. :)

Rachel

Anonymous said...

What one needs is an educated eye.......a ton of luck; and nothing else!

I once found a rug I had sold to a client for 55,000 dollars......in the dirt......(and I am not exaggerating, in the dirt) at a charity sale for 3500 dollars. Needless to say; I bought it back. I had it appraised.....it was then worth 80,000.00.
After having it cleaned; I sold it to a new client a couple of years later for one half the appraised value.

An astonishing find. Everyone won all around; I think!

My original client took the deduction; the volunteers at the charity were not educated; (they could not tell the difference between an antique handmade rug from a machine made area rug); and I was just a "lucky duck"looking for an area rug for my "Auntie Clare" for her apartment!

It found a wonderful home in a beautiful house I decorated......

I don't know where it is now!!

Sarah Greenman said...

Incredible story!

helen tilston said...

That is a beautiful painting.
Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.

Helen

Pura Vida said...

I would be so disappointed if I had to sell something I really loved for 19,000. I mean it. I would want the money AND the find.