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Privacy NoticeDuring an episode of Antiques Roadshow, originally aired in 2000, expert Hugh Scully was left almost speechless. While at the Victoria and Albert Museum, he encountered a woman who brought in a piece of artwork that he described as “museum quality”. Hugh was astounded by the exceptional quality and technical prowess of the artist behind the painting. He commented: “It is fantastic quality, it really is. Just look at the way he has handled the whole light in this market scene. The way the light comes off the candle and illuminates her face, it’s the most brilliant piece of work.” Intrigued about the painting’s history, he asked if it had been passed down through her family, reports the Express.
The woman was gobsmacked over the value of the painting in her possession
(Image: (Image: YOUTUBE/BBCANTIQUESROADSHOW))
The painting once belonged to her father-in-law
(Image: (Image: YOUTUBE/BBCANTIQUESROADSHOW))
She responded: “It was in my husband’s family, I think his father brought it many years ago.” The woman revealed that her father-in-law used to work in the fish market, following his own father’s career path. She speculated: “So, I imagine that because it’s a market scene that’s what appealed to him but I don’t really know.” Viewers discovered that the painting came into her possession after her in-laws passed away, catching her eye when the family home was being divided. As Hugh pointed out the signature at the bottom of the artwork, he informed the woman that it was a painting by Petrus van Schendel. He explained that the artist was renowned for his moonlight candle scenes, which were his trademark. Sign up to OK’s TV newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free
The item was worth vastly more than anyone expected
(Image: (Image: YOUTUBE/BBCANTIQUESROADSHOW))
He told her: “It is by, probably, the leading candlelight painter of the 19th century.” As the woman admitted she didn’t know the artist’s identity when she got the artwork, Hugh enlightened her that the artist’s pieces are frequently auctioned. Exciting the owner further, Hugh suggested: “We know reasonably clearly what this probably would make. I think at auction now, he’s very much in Vogue, he’s very much sought after. A lot of people collect him. Probably make between £70,000 to £90,000. So you should probably insure it for £100,000.” The owner was visibly taken aback, her reaction marked by a sharp intake of breath. She expressed her shock graciously: “Wow! Thank you!” He concluded with a smile: “Almost like winning the lottery, almost.” Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
The woman was gobsmacked over the value of the painting in her possession
(Image: (Image: YOUTUBE/BBCANTIQUESROADSHOW))
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