Thrifty Shopper Discovers Valuable N.C. Wyeth Painting Sold for $1.91 Million
A woman’s lucky find at a thrift shop in New Hampshire turned out to be a valuable long-lost masterpiece by renowned painter N.C. Wyeth. The seemingly unassuming $4 painting titled “Romona” was recently sold at auction for an impressive $1.91 million (approximately 1.5 crore).
According to CBS News, the woman stumbled upon the artwork in the middle of a stack of frames at a Savers store in Manchester back in 2017. Unbeknownst to her, she had discovered a hidden gem by Needham-born artist N.C. Wyeth.
“Romona” is part of a set of four paintings commissioned from Little, Brown, and Co. for the 1939 edition of Helen Hunt Jackson’s novel ‘Ramona.’ The painting depicts a young woman who has lost her parents and is facing difficulties with her foster mother.
The discovery of this valuable painting was shared by Bonhams auction house on Instagram. In their post, Bonhams stated, “This long-lost N.C. Wyeth is coming to auction at Bonhams Skinner on September 19. Purchased for $4 at a thrift store in 2017, the painting was later discovered to be by the celebrated American artist.”
The Instagram post, shared on September 6, has gained significant attention, garnering numerous likes and comments. Many people expressed their surprise and amazement at the incredible find.
One individual commented, “Awesome! Love Wyeth!” while another exclaimed, “Wow! This is such an amazing find.” A third person simply showed their appreciation with clapping emojis.
N.C. Wyeth, known for his successful career as an illustrator, frequently collaborated with magazines and book publishers. His work was admired for its vibrant colors, skillful use of light and shadow, and its ability to enhance the drama and character development of the accompanying text.
The sale of the “Romona” painting highlights not only the hidden treasures that can be found in unexpected places but also the enduring value of art. The lucky thrift shopper’s $4 investment turned into a life-changing windfall, showcasing the importance of keeping an eye out for hidden artistic gems.