Key Points
- $12 Pennsylvania Auction Purchase Could Be Valuable Renoir Work
- The drawing is a charcoal portrait of Renoir's wife, Aline Charigot
- Sotheby's experts were consulted regarding the authenticity of the work
- The drawing measures 17.5 by 16.5 inches (44.5 cm x 42 cm)
- The potential value could reach six or seven figures if authenticated
In Easton, Pennsylvania, a fascinating story is taking shape—one about a drawing purchased for a handful of dollars that may actually be a Renoir masterpiece, estimated to be worth nearly $1 million. Heidi Markow, owner of Salvage Goods Antiques , may have just discovered one of art history's lost treasures.
An Unexpected Discovery at a Montgomery County Auction
It was at a Montgomery County auction in January that Markow spotted a framed charcoal drawing, measuring 17.5 by 16.5 inches. Offered for just $12, the work seemed to stand out from the rest thanks to its fine line and the elegance of its antique frame.
Intrigued, Markow noticed a barely visible signature and a portrait style that reminded her of Aline Charigot, the wife of Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. She then undertook her own research, suggesting a late 19th-century date.
A Quest for Authentication
The path to official recognition began with a careful analysis of the drawing. Markow called upon a certified art appraiser, who noted several interesting features: high-quality antique paper, an import stamp on the back, and a frame consistent with the style of Renoir's time.
Determined, Markow contacted Sotheby's , one of the world's largest auction houses, which referred her to an art expert who confirmed the work's potential.
The crucial step will take place on April 10 , when the Wildenstein Plattner Institute , a renowned authority on the authentication of Impressionist works, will conduct a thorough appraisal. Using advanced technology, archival documents, and cross-examination, the institute will determine whether the work is truly a Renoir.
Clues and Hopes: In Search of the Truth
Several clues reinforce this hypothesis: a faint but stylistically consistent signature with Renoir's, a finely crafted 19th-century frame, a paper texture similar to that which he used, and a historic import stamp linked to the high-end art trade of the time.
The work could depict Aline Charigot, in a style reminiscent of Renoir's Ingres period. Each element adds to the mystery and increases the likelihood of a positive authentication.
Potential Value of $1 Million
If the work proves authentic, its value could reach up to $1 million . Demand for Renoir's works, particularly those from the 1870s, remains extremely high.
Markow hopes to find a buyer who will appreciate the work's true value and bring it to light. For her, this discovery isn't just a matter of luck—it's the result of a discerning eye, a passion for art, and the magic of forgotten objects.
The authentication scheduled for April could well change the fate of this work... and rewrite a small piece of art history.
FAQ – Possible Renoir Drawing Discovered in Pennsylvania
Who is Heidi Markow?
Heidi Markow is the owner of Salvage Goods Antiques , an antiques store in Easton, Pennsylvania. She was responsible for the discovery of a drawing potentially attributed to Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Where and when was the drawing found?
The drawing was purchased in January 2025 at an auction in Montgomery County for the modest sum of $12 .
What is the size and nature of the drawing?
The drawing is a charcoal work measuring 17.5 by 16.5 inches (44.5 cm x 42 cm) . It appears to depict Aline Charigot , the wife and muse of the painter Renoir.
Why do people think it's a Renoir?
- The style of the drawing corresponds to Renoir's work.
- It bears a faintly visible signature , consistent with that of the artist.
- The antique frame, high-quality paper , and an import stamp add to the work's credibility.
- Several art experts have seen convincing elements in this.
Who is in charge of authentication?
The Wildenstein Plattner Institute , a renowned authority on the authentication of Impressionist works, is responsible for the analysis. The official appraisal is scheduled for April 10, 2025 .
What could be the value of the work?
If the work is authenticated as a Renoir, its value could reach up to $1 million , due to its condition , provenance , and artistic significance .
What does Heidi Markow intend to do with the work?
Heidi Markow hopes to find a passionate buyer who will be able to showcase the work and give it a rightful place in art history.
Nicolas Sarazin