Antiques Roadshow has captivated audiences for years, bringing to life the stories behind everyday people’s treasured antiques and collectibles.
With expert appraisers at the helm, each episode offers viewers a glimpse into the past through the lens of these unique items.
One particularly memorable segment took place in Grand Rapids, where a woman brought in an old painting for appraisal, unaware of the incredible story that awaited her.
During the Grand Rapids episode, the woman presented her painting to Alasdair Nichol, an esteemed appraiser on the show.
The painting had been a family heirloom for decades, passed down from her grandparents, who were also artists.
As she shared her story, Nichol examined the painting with keen interest, his eyes lighting up with recognition.
The guest revealed that the artist was Édouard Cortès, a name she had first encountered through Antiques Roadshow itself.
Cortès, a French post-impressionist painter, was renowned for his enchanting Parisian street scenes, capturing the essence of the City of Light in various weather conditions and times of day.
His works often depicted bustling boulevards, romantic cafes, and the charming life of Parisians, making them highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
The painting had been in her family for 40 years, a cherished piece that had adorned her grandparents’ home.
Her grandparents, being artists themselves, had an eye for quality and had treasured the Cortès painting as part of their personal collection.
The woman reminisced about growing up with the painting, always curious about its origins and value but never having it formally appraised until now.
Édouard Cortès, born in 1882, was a master of capturing the fleeting moments of Parisian life.
His father was also a painter, which influenced Cortès’s early interest in art.
He became known for his unique technique and meticulous attention to detail, often using a pin to establish precise vanishing points in his works.
This method added a remarkable depth and perspective to his paintings, setting them apart from those of his contemporaries.
As Nichol examined the painting more closely, he discovered a tiny pinhole in the canvas.
This was a telltale sign of Cortès’s technique, used to create accurate perspective lines in his compositions.
The presence of the pinhole confirmed the painting’s authenticity, much to the woman’s delight.
Nichol explained this unique method to the audience, further enriching the segment with fascinating details about the artist’s process and legacy.
The moment everyone was waiting for had arrived – the valuation.
Nichol, with a smile, revealed that the painting’s value was estimated between $30,000 and $50,000!
The woman was in disbelief hearing the incredible news.
Overwhelmed with emotion, the woman exclaimed, “You’ve got to be kidding me,” as tears of joy filled her eyes.
The realization that the cherished family heirloom was worth so much brought a deep sense of pride and happiness.
The viewers at home shared in her excitement, experiencing the magic of Antiques Roadshow through her heartfelt reaction.
The segment quickly became a hit, racking up over 1.7 million views online.
The comments poured in, with viewers expressing their admiration and joy.
One comment read, “Very special painting. Can’t really put it into words. I just love it. It feels like you could magically enter into the scene.”
Another viewer said, “This show changes people’s lives. And it’s amazing to see the joy and excitement on their faces.”
Watch the video below to see this unforgettable segment of Antiques Roadshow!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
