🧡 Friday F.U.N email

The Friday F.U.N Email

(Factoid, Under 2k, Nuggets)

Factoid:

Why are so many masterpieces discovered in France?

A Caravaggio in the attic, a Brughel behind a door and a golden icon in the kitchen. These are recent examples of rare masterpieces found in unexpected places at home. But what do they all have in common? All were discovered in French homes.

As it turns out, this is no coincidence. A combination of two factors creates a helpful environment for overlooked treasures. The first is Hotel Drouot, a massive group of Parisian auction houses that host a huge volume of sales. 6 auctions a week, 5000 visitors a day and only 24 hours of viewing beforehand, compared to the leisurely week-long viewings elsewhere.

But there's more. In France, there is also a law known as the garantie trentenaire. This holds any auctioneer responsible for an artwork's attribution for 30 years. As a result, the auction house is ultra-cautious to avoid future claims. Imagine it; a Caravaggio comes through the door, and the auction house labels it 'follower of' to avoid any risk. It flies through an auction barely raising an eyebrow. Until Monseur Tout-le-monde looking to decorate his spare bedroom wins the painting as if by accident.

This month the Louvre has acquired a small gold ground panel by Cimabue for €24,000,000. A 90-year-old woman discovered it hanging directly above her kitchen hot plate. She almost sent it to the dump during a house clearance. Luckily, the experts were called in first. Phew.

Under 2k:

SIR WILLIAM ORPEN

Study of arms

£800 - 1,200

The Wartime artist is known for his dazzling draftsmanship and self-portraits. This little study is relatively inexpensive and full of quality and charm.

BROWSE HERE

BRIAN FIELDING

Grey November

£2,500 - 3,000

Yes, this is over 2k but you get a lot of painting for your money. It's 'statement' sized, measuring 175 x 152cm. It is also inexpensive if you can't afford a Heron or a Hilton. This artist made similar work as the others, but he is not nearly as well-known. due in part, to his premature death.

BROWSE HERE