Michigan collector paid $30 for painting; it later sold for record $1.35 million
In a stunning turn of events, Gertrude Abercrombie's painting, Alderman Merriam's Shells, was auctioned for $1,352,600 after being found at an estate sale for just $30. Having been lost for 75 years, the piece drew significant attention at Freeman's auction house, far exceeding expectations. A dedicated collector meticulously verified its authenticity, marking a remarkable resurgence for…
A $30 painting purchased at a Michigan estate sale was recently auctioned off for a record-breaking $1.35 million, after experts recognized it as a lost 1951 work by Chicago Surrealist Gertrude Abercrombie. The piece, titled "Alderman Merriam's Shells," had been missing from public view for around 75 years. The painting surpassed its presale estimate of $150,000 to $250,000 and established a new world auction record for Abercrombie.
The collector who bought the painting at the estate sale initially recognized the signature "Abercrombie" and the year 1951, prompting further investigation. The painting's significance lies in its depiction of nine seashells arranged against a subdued background, believed to be based on direct observation rather than memory. The discovery was made in July at a Michigan estate sale, where the collector paid $30 for the 8 by 11 inch painting.
The auction, held on October 1, saw five telephone and several online bidders, with the final hammer price including the buyer's premium. The painting's auction price also marks the first Abercrombie work to cross the $1 million mark at auction.
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- Michigan collector paid $30 for painting; it later sold for record $1.35 million timesofindia.indiatimes.com
