Hidden masterpiece: Emily Carr painting found at flea market
An antiques dealer made an extraordinary discovery at a flea market in New York, purchasing a painting for just $50 (€45). The artwork could potentially yield him a staggering profit of about 400,000 per cent. The painting will go under the hammer, with its value possibly reaching up to $200,000 (€180,000).
Allen Treibitz, an experienced dealer with over 40 years in the art industry, stumbled upon a remarkable canvas during a visit to a flea market in the Hamptons. The painting, depicting a bear on a totem pole, immediately seized his attention. In a conversation with CBC, Treibitz admitted that the find turned out to be the most significant discovery of his entire career.
Treibitz emphasised that the artwork stood out due to its clear signature and intriguing aura. Therefore, after purchasing it, he embarked on detailed research and contacted the Heel Fine Art Auction House in Vancouver. David Heel, the president of the auction house, confirmed to CBC that upon receiving the photographs, there was no doubt about the significance of the discovery. The painting titled "Masset, Q.C.I." from 1912 by Emily Carr will be auctioned on 20 November in Toronto. Experts estimate it could fetch a price between $100,000 and $200,000 (€90,000 to €180,000).
Similar finds at other markets
Extraordinary discoveries at flea markets are not uncommon. In Germany, a flea market enthusiast from Solingen bought a heavily tarnished bowl for about €3, which, after cleaning, turned out to be a valuable silver item. During an appraisal on the show "Bares für Rares," it was revealed that the bowl is from Austria and has a silver purity of 812.5. Dr Heide Rezepa-Zabel estimated its value at €600 to €800 - reports focus.de.
Ultimately, the bowl was sold on the show for approximately €1,250 after a fierce bidding war among several buyers. Olaf, the seller, expressed his joy over the successful transaction, saying, "It's a wonderful feeling." These cases demonstrate that one can still uncover true treasures at flea markets, bringing significant profits to their finders.
A masterpiece of a renowned painter
The discovery of the painting "Masset, Q.C.I." holds enormous significance for the art world. This piece is one of five paintings by Emily Carr that will be auctioned. Carr is regarded as one of the most important Canadian artists, known for her works depicting the culture of Canada's Indigenous peoples and the landscapes of the western part of the country.
The accidental finding of such a valuable piece at a flea market underscores the importance of knowledge and intuition in recognising valuable items. This story inspires collectors and art enthusiasts to carefully browse through flea market offerings, as one never knows where the next masterpiece worth a fortune might be hiding.
