A man found a $50 painting at a barn sale, only to learn it’s a masterpiece valued at nearly $150,000—an incredible tale of hidden treasure! Photo courtesy: Masset, QCI, Emily Carr, 1912 Heffel Fine Art Auction House

Man Strikes Gold at Barn Sale: $50 Painting Revealed as $150,000 Lost Masterpiece!

A man found a $50 painting at a barn sale, only to learn it’s a masterpiece valued at nearly $150,000—an incredible tale of hidden treasure! 🌐 #News #Lifestyle #Art #Culture

ST. PAUL, MN – Imagine spending $50 at a barn sale and stumbling upon a hidden treasure worth nearly $150,000. That’s exactly what happened when art dealer Allen Treibitz discovered a painting by Canadian Post-Impressionist artist Emily Carr, known for her captivating landscapes and motifs inspired by First Nations culture.

The Unexpected Find

This remarkable find took place during a summer barn sale in the Hamptons, where Treibitz’s instincts kicked in as he noticed something special about the painting. After making the purchase, he felt compelled to learn more about the artist. Intrigued by its potential, he took the piece to Heffel Fine Art Auction House in Canada for an evaluation.

Experts quickly confirmed that the painting was indeed an authentic work by Carr, dated 1912 and titled “Masset, QCI.” The artwork, measuring 16 by 13 inches, showcases a totem pole adorned with a carved bear, reflecting Carr’s talent for merging Indigenous iconography with stunning Canadian landscapes.

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Emily Carr: An Artistic Journey

Emily Carr’s journey as an artist was not without challenges. Initially, her modern style, influenced by her time studying in Paris, received little appreciation at home. However, she eventually gained recognition, especially after her works were featured in a significant exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada in 1927. Her evocative representations of British Columbia’s natural beauty and First Nations culture would go on to define her legacy.

The totem pole depicted in “Masset, QCI” once stood in the village of Masset, part of the Haida Gwaii archipelago off British Columbia’s coast. It’s believed that Carr gifted the painting to her friend, Nell Cozier, in the 1930s, which likely explains its long stay in a barn since Cozier moved from Victoria to the Hamptons. The piece required some restoration to bring it back to life, revealing its full potential.

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From Barn to Auction Block

Before heading to auction, the painting will be showcased at Heffel galleries across several Canadian cities, including Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto. The anticipated auction price reflects the excitement surrounding this unexpected discovery, with estimates reaching around $147,000.

The tale of this painting highlights how significant artistic treasures can often be found in the most unexpected places. It underscores that the value lies not only in the price tag but also in the excitement of uncovering hidden stories and sharing them with others.

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