You remember the movie "Stuart Little," the movie based on a novel by E. B. White?
The movie came out in 1999. Peggy and I enjoyed it, since we had read the book as tots.
Of course, I didn't recognize a lost art treasure in the set of the film. I might have, had they used Wide-Eyed kid paintings, or paintings where dogs are playing poker.
But, ten years after the movie came out, Gergely Barki, a researcher at Hungary’s national gallery in Budapest, was watching it on TV with his daughter and he spotted "Sleeping Lady with Black Vase" by Róbert Berény!
“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Bereny’s long-lost masterpiece on the wall behind Hugh Laurie. I nearly dropped Lola from my lap,” said Barki. “A researcher can never take his eyes off the job, even when watching Christmas movies at home.”
Turns out, the film's set designer bought the picture at an antique store for $500.
When it got back to its rightful owners, it was sold at auction for €229,500, which is $269,000 in US semoleons.
Next movie I watch, I will be on the lookout for lost art treasures. I wouldn't know one if it were hanging on my wall, but I will keep an eye out.
No comments:
Post a Comment