Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ seller gasps in disbelief after expert reveals the value of her family heirloom (marketrealist.com)
Stunned “Antiques Roadshow” Guest Discovers Family Heirloom is a Six-Figure Treasure
A recent episode of “Antiques Roadshow” featured a heartwarming story of a woman who inherited a painting from her grandfather, unaware of its immense value. The painting, a 1925 winter landscape by renowned Pennsylvania Impressionist Fern Coppedge, turned out to be worth a breathtaking sum.
The guest explained that her grandfather, a Philadelphia surgeon, received the painting as a gift from Coppedge, a patient. She recounted the family lore, believing the artwork was a gesture of gratitude for her grandfather’s successful surgery.
Appraiser Alasdair Nichol, recognizing the painting’s significance, described Coppedge as the “best woman artist” among the Pennsylvania Impressionists. He noted the painting’s unique qualities, including its unusually large 30×36 inch canvas, and deemed it a “gem.” He explained that Coppedge would often paint outdoors, capturing scenes like the one depicted, from the comfort of her car.
When it came to the appraisal, the guest admitted she had no idea of the painting’s worth. Nichol, after careful consideration, estimated the painting could fetch between $120,000 and $180,000 at auction, potentially even reaching $200,000.
Visibly stunned, the guest gasped, placing a hand on her chest, and asked Nichol to repeat the figures. “Oh my goodness, you’re taking my breath away,” she exclaimed, still in disbelief.
She later shared that bringing the painting to the show was a last-minute decision, expressing gratitude for the surprising turn of events. This episode served as yet another reminder of the hidden treasures that can be found within families, often unbeknownst to their owners.