Re-discovered painting, proves treasures are still to be found

“WE at Brightwells auctioneers have had the pleasure of informing many clients that items they thought were of little value, are in fact worth much more than expected and it is a delight to rediscover a hidden treasure,” said Owain Lloyd, Head of Brightwells Fine Art.

“A fantastic example of this is a beautifully executed painting, on copper, depicting Saint Joseph by the Bolognese artist Gaetano Gandolfi (1734-1802) – the highlight of a recent auction.”

The painting is believed to date from the mid 1770s, it was competed for by a number of bidders from France, Switzerland, Italy and the UK.

In good original condition, the small devotional picture represented something of a re-discovery. Though previously known to a small group of scholars by photograph, the exact whereabouts of the painting in recent years had been untraced, until one of Brightwells expert valuers happened upon it.

After a keen telephone bidding battle, the hammer fell at an amazing £74,000.

Could you have a treasure of this nature? Celebrity antique expert Kate Bliss, has joined the Brightwells Fine Art team in a series of free valuation days, and they are hoping to find some exciting artefacts.

The next valuation day in Cardiff will be held on May 21 at the Insole Court, Fairwater Road, Llandaff CF5 2LN, from 11am to 4pm, in aid of Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice.

Valuations are free, but you may like to make a donation on the day, in support of their fantastic work. All are very welcome and no appointment is necessary.

So, if you have often wondered about that painting you inherited or the string of pearls that never comes out of the drawer, take it to the valuation day and find out what it is worth.

You may be pleasantly surprised! More information can be found on our website at: www.brightwells.com.