A man who found an Emily Carr painting at a barn sale in the Hamptons, N.Y., earlier this year could now earn a big payday when he sells it at auction.
Allen Treibitz — who has been dealing art for more than 40 years, per CBC — was unfamiliar with Carr’s work but knew there was something unique about the discovered piece, which shows a bear on top of a memorial post.
“You could just tell that painting had something special about it besides the fact that it was so legibly signed, which is not often the case with most art that you see,” Treibitz, 61, told Global News.
He added, “So that helped a little, but it definitely had a look, and it was definitely very interesting.”
The Emily Carr painting found by Allen Treibitz.
Heffel Fine Art Auction House.
After purchasing the painting for $50, Treibitz realized its value after doing some research, which prompted him to reach out to the Heffel Fine Art Auction House in Vancouver, Canada, CBC reported.
“We were provided photos, and there was no doubt in my mind that this was an exciting Cinderella discovery,” David Heffel, the auction house president, said, per the outlet.
“I’ve found some interesting things in my lifetime. This is the most significant find I’ve ever had,” Treibitz added to Global News.
The painting is now set to auction on Nov. 20 at the Heffel Gallery in Toronto, where it is estimated to earn between $100,000 and $200,000. Four of Carr’s other works will also be sold, per the outlet.
The piece, titled Masset, Q.C.I., was painted in 1912 and is believed to have been a gift for Carr’s friend, per CBC.
