A Pennsylvania Woman’s $12 Auction Find May Be a Renoir Worth Millions—Here’s What We Know
The charcoal drawing may depict the prominent French impressionist’s wife
What if something you bought for just $12 was worth millions? That’s exactly what might have happened to a Pennsylvania woman who unknowingly picked up what could be an original work by famed French impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Heidi Markow, owner of Salvage Goods Antiques in Easton, Pennsylvania, purchased the piece at a collector’s auction in Montgomery County in January, thinking it was just an eye-catching sketch. But after a closer look, she started to suspect she might have stumbled upon something truly extraordinary. Here’s what to know about the Renoir auction find.
The incredible $12 Renoir auction find in Pennsylvania
Markow attended an auction in Montgomery County back in January with her partner and son. She was immediately drawn to three pieces, one of which was a 17.5-by-16.5-inch charcoal drawing of a woman. Without knowing its potential value, she instructed her partner to bid on it while she browsed other items.
“I didn’t know what it was, I just knew that I wanted it,” Markow told ABC News. “This piece just stood out to me as something special.”
To her surprise, her partner won the bid for just $12, a fraction of what other items were selling for that day (into the thousands). It wasn’t until she examined the artwork at home that she noticed details suggesting it could be something far more valuable.
Why this drawing could be a lost Renoir
A faint signature, the artwork’s detailed shading and the high-quality paper caught Markow’s attention. Additionally, a stamp on the back of the frame indicated that the piece had been imported to the U.S. by a high-end dealer and sold to a prominent collector.
Markow believes the piece is a portrait of Aline Charigot, Renoir’s wife, and may date back to the late 1800s, a period when the artist was experimenting with shading and light.
“This is what I call a framed masterpiece,” she said.
How experts are authenticating the artwork
Determined to uncover the drawing’s true origins, Markow spent months researching Renoir and watching documentaries about his work. She eventually contacted Sotheby’s, which referred her to an experienced art appraiser. Upon inspection, the appraiser reportedly confirmed her suspicions, congratulating her on the potential find.
The next step in authentication lies with the Wildenstein Plattner Institute (WPI) in New York City, a prestigious nonprofit dedicated to art research. The institute will examine the piece on April 10, and if deemed authentic, it will be featured in its Catalogue Raisonné, a major confirmation of its legitimacy.
“It’s rigorous, they’re pretty tough with their examination. I’m cautiously optimistic,” Markow said.
How common is a rare auction find?
While stories of finding valuable artwork at flea markets and estate sales occasionally make headlines, they remain rare. Many collectors and antique hunters dream of uncovering a lost masterpiece, but authentication is a long and difficult process.
Auction houses often sell hundreds of thousands of artworks each year, many without detailed provenance. Some buyers, like Markow, take a chance on pieces that stand out to them. And some hope they have stumbled upon something special.
Who was Pierre-Auguste Renoir?
Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) was one of the leading figures of the Impressionist movement, best known for his vibrant use of color and light. Unlike some of his contemporaries who focused on landscapes, Renoir was particularly renowned for his portraits. He often captured his subjects with soft, delicate brushstrokes. Renoir’s works are highly sought after by collectors, with many selling for millions at major auctions.
What happens if the Renoir find is real?
If WPI confirms the drawing’s authenticity, Markow plans to sell the piece. This way, it can be appreciated by an art collector who recognizes its historical significance.
“It’s absolutely beautiful. There’s so much detail in this that it deserves to be somewhere where it can be seen,” she said.
Depending on the buyer’s interest, the artwork could sell for six or even seven figures.
While the final verdict remains to be seen, Markow’s incredible Renoir auction find has already captivated art lovers and auction-goers alike. And for just $12, it might be one of the best investments she has ever made.
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