An Antiques Roadshow guest broke down in tears after learning that a painting she believed was damaged was actually worth between $30,000 and $50,000 (approximately £24,000 to £40,000). The woman had brought the artwork, which had hung on her wall for over 40 years, to the US version of the show.
The guest explained that she decided to get the piece valued after watching a previous episode where a similar painting was discussed. She noticed the name Edouard Cortez on the canvas and researched the artist, who was known for Parisian street scenes and lived from 1882 to 1969.
The painting had several small holes, which the owner thought were flaws. However, the expert revealed that these were pinpricks made by the artist to establish vanishing points for perspective. 'He would take a little pin and stick it in the canvas to determine the perspective,' the expert explained.
After confirming the painting's authenticity, the expert valued it at $30,000 to $50,000. The guest burst into tears upon hearing the news, overwhelmed by the unexpected value of the family heirloom.
