Discovering Dirt in a Barn Unveils a $7 Million Artwork Masterpiece
A Long-Lost Masterpiece Revealed
Hidden away in a Connecticut barn for decades, a forgotten painting by Dutch artist Frans Post, painted in 1666, recently fetching a staggering sum at auction.
Back in 1998, the Barn's Grime-Covered Canvas caught the attention of George Wachter, chairman of Old Master paintings at Sotheby's. As he described to Robb Report, "It was filthy, black, dirty. You could hardly see it."
label::10 Valuable Collectibles That Might Be Hiding in Plain Sight in Your Home
The artwork, titled "View of Olinda, Brazil, With Ruins of the Jesuit Church," epitomized a unique pastoral scene. Despite its appearance, Wachter, armed with faith, convinced art enthusiasts Jordan and Thomas Saunders to purchase the piece for a hefty $2.2 million. "I said, 'This is a killer,'" Wachter shared with Robb Report. "And so they trusted me because they couldn't see it. It was jet black."
Skilled restorer Nancy Krieg brought the artwork back to life, using her expertise in Dutch and Flemish paintings to restore the piece.
The painting, last sold for a whopping $6 million ($7.37 million with fees), a new record for Post, whose previous record was $4.5 million at Sotheby's in 1997. Prior to the sale, Sotheby's had placed an estimate of $6 to $8 million on the painting.
Post, a 17th-century Dutch artist, was one of the few European-trained painters to focus on the landscape of the Americas. The painting isn't a precise representation of Olinda, Brazil, but it showcases Post's journey through his depiction of indigenous and enslaved people, Portuguese and Dutch settlers, wildlife, and the unique architecture of the time[1]. This imaginative touch allowed Post to create richer, more striking, and often larger compositions.
As with many 17th-century Dutch artists, Post initially focused on local landscapes, but his unique experiences in Brazil elevated him to popularity back home. While it's unclear how or when the piece ended up in the barn, it had likely been there for a century[1].
This extraordinary journey, from colonial Brazil to a Connecticut barn attic and finally to an auction block, added to the painting's mystique and desirability among collectors.
Enrichment Data:Frans Post’s "View of Olinda, Brazil, with Ruins of the Jesuit Church" showcases the artist's pioneering depiction of the New World, emphasizing his ability to seamlessly blend fact and fantasy. Born in 1612 in Haarlem, Netherlands, Post spent eight years living and working in Dutch colonial Brazil (1637–1644), giving him a unique perspective that allowed him to create accurate yet exotic portrayals of the Brazilian flora, fauna, and colonial life[1][3][4]. The 23¾ by 35⅝-inch painting is notable for its intricate detail, large scale, and the combination of realistic landscape elements with more imaginative, evocative touches, like armadillos, anteaters, and alligators[3][4]. This combination appealed to both Europeans seeking authentic depictions of Brazil and those desiring more exotic, idealized imagery[1][4]. The value and rarity of Post’s works, coupled with the painting's extraordinary journey, increased the appeal for art enthusiasts. This record-breaking sale reflects not only the rarity and historical significance of the piece but also the excitement surrounding its rediscovery[3][4]. In summary, Frans Post’s "View of Olinda, Brazil, with Ruins of the Jesuit Church" is significant for its pioneering depiction of the New World, its blend of realism and fantasy, and its extraordinary journey from colonial Brazil to a Connecticut attic and finally to a record-breaking auction sale[1][3][4].
Martha Stewart's Living News shared an article titled "Valuable Collectibles That Might Be Hiding in Plain Sight in Your Home," which features the story of a long-lost masterpiece by Dutch artist Frans Post, titled "View of Olinda, Brazil, With Ruins of the Jesuit Church." In this piece, Post's imaginative touch and unique blend of realistic depictions with evocative elements were praised, attracting both art enthusiasts and collectors. The painting, now worth a staggering $6 million, had been hidden away in a Connecticut barn for years before being discovered and restored.
