A shopper at a local Goodwill discovered a painting with a unique detail that could be worth hundreds of dollars.
They purchased the artwork, identified as a Norman Rockwell piece, for only $13.99.
Goodwill Store Find Turns Into Art Treasure
A shopper stumbled upon a significant find at a Goodwill store-a painting by the famed artist Norman Rockwell, which they bought for just $13.99. The artwork, titled "Family Tree" from 1959, was identified by the artist's signature on the bottom right corner of the canvas.
The discovery was shared on the subreddit r/ThriftStoreHauls, where the thrifter, Skimmilkskim, posted detailed pictures, including a close-up of the signature.
Alongside the painting, The U.S. Sun revealed that the thrifter found a hidden certificate of authenticity from an auction house confirming that Rockwell had pencil-signed the artwork.
An image of the Goodwill price tag still attached to the back of the frame was also shared, underscoring the bargain.
Commenters on Reddit were quick to express their excitement and envy. Some noted the painting's potential value, with one user mentioning, "They go for a couple hundred on eBay, so you scored." Another, a longtime Rockwell admirer, expressed jealousy over the find.
However, some commenters raised concerns about the condition of the painting, noting its faded colors due to sun damage. Despite this, the thrifter wasn't overly worried, focusing instead on the significance of Rockwell's signature, though they admitted a preference for the artwork's original vibrancy.
Rare yet notable, high-value Goodwill finds include a Tadashi dress purchased for $6, normally priced at $600, as reported by The U.S. Sun. The buyer attributed her luck to the missing label, enhancing the find's surprise value.
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Rockwell's Artistic Heritage Brought to Life
According to the Norman Rockwell Museum, Norman Rockwell's painting draws its basic structure from a twelfth-century Dutch family tree in a remarkable blend of history and art.
A diligent librarian at the Berkshire Athenaeum provided the reference for this historical structure, who found a photo that inspired Rockwell. This melding of past and present is evident in Rockwell's detailed portrayal of family features, consistently rendered through generations using the same model for the man or the woman in each depicted couple.
The narrative within the painting unfolds dramatically, starting with a Spanish princess abducted by a pirate from a sinking Spanish galleon. This intriguing scene and its characters are inspired by the works of Howard Pyle, Rockwell's favorite illustrator of historical subjects.
Pyle's influence is so profound that his initials are discreetly included on a treasure chest in the artwork, adding a layer of homage to the historical tapestry Rockwell weaves.
Further connecting the past with the present, the Norman Rockwell Museum offers a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts. Through its Custom Prints service, the museum provides hand-made reproductions of artworks housed in its collections.
These reproductions are crafted in the USA with gallery-quality materials, ensuring each print remains as true to the original as possible. This service employs rigorous color management and state-of-the-art printing technology to capture the essence of Rockwell's work.
The museum continually updates its selection, offering many exclusive works unavailable elsewhere. This allows collectors and admirers of Rockwell's work to own a piece of art history and incorporate it into their galleries with various molding styles to suit any decor.
The connection between Rockwell's historical inspirations and the museum's modern reproductions creates a timeless bridge for art lovers to explore and enjoy.
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