In Pennsylvania, a routine visit to an antique store auction turned into a potentially life-changing event for Heidi Markow when she spotted a drawing that caught her eye. Intrigued by its appearance, she purchased the artwork for a mere $12, not knowing it could be a masterpiece by the renowned French impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, estimated to be worth up to $1 million.
According to the New York Post, Heidi Markow bought a seemingly ordinary drawing that might be an original Renoir, now awaiting authentication.
Markow, who has credentials as a certified art appraiser, discovered the drawing in January at an auction in Montgomery County. The item, a 17.5-inch by 16.5-inch portrayal of a nude woman, was overshadowed by other artworks selling between $1,000 and $3,000. Yet, it was the modest drawing that captured her attention.
"I looked at it and I thought, 'I just want that piece,'" Markow told WPVI. The artwork's antique frame and the quality of the paper hinted at its potential significance. A stamp on the artwork revealed it was imported by a high-end U.S. importer and had once belonged to a prominent collector. This discovery prompted Markow to delve deeper.
The faint signature on the drawing piqued Markow's interest, suggesting it could be the work of Renoir. Her research led her to believe that the drawing might depict Aline Charigot, Renoir’s wife, captured in the characteristic impressionist style focusing on light and shading that marked Renoir's work from the late 1800s.
Seeking a professional second opinion, Markow consulted an art appraiser connected through Sotheby’s, who, to her relief, supported her theory. "He looked it over and said he agrees with me. Then, he said, ‘Congratulations,’” Markow relayed to WPVI. Encouraged by this confirmation, she reached out to the Wildenstein Plattner Institute in New York City, known for its rigorous examination processes, to schedule an authentication review on April 10.
"They’re pretty tough with their examination. Still, I’m cautiously optimistic," Markow explained about the upcoming review. As the date draws nearer, her anticipation grows, hoping the validation of the drawing as a genuine Renoir will catapult its value to between six and seven figures.
If authenticated, this piece would not only enhance her financial standing but also contribute significantly to her reputation as an art appraiser. Markow’s excitement about the discovery mirrors the drawing's intriguing allure, which she described to ABC News as a "framed masterpiece."
Markow faces high emotional and financial stakes as she prepares to sell the drawing if experts authenticate it. In that case, she hopes to turn her $12 investment into a million-dollar artwork, highlighting the unpredictable nature of art valuation and the hidden treasures that still exist in unsuspecting places.
Reflecting on her discovery, Markow told ABC News, "This piece just stood out to me as something special." Her experience highlights the potential for unexpected finds in the world of antiques—a world where true value often remains hidden beneath the surface, waiting for those with a keen eye for art to uncover it.
If the artwork is confirmed as a Renoir, Markow intends to sell the piece to a collector who values impressionist art, thereby preserving and appreciating its historical and artistic significance. Ultimately, this remarkable find not only highlights Markow's sharp eye for potential but also underscores the enduring allure of impressionist artworks in the art market today.
