A rare gem worth tens of thousands leaves Antiques Roadshow guest speechless
In a jaw-dropping moment that had viewers on the edge of their seats, a recent episode of Antiques Roadshow featured an unsuspecting guest whose family heirloom turned out to be a rare treasure valued at a staggering amount. The episode, a rerun from September 2023, showcased art expert Will Farmer encountering a woman who brought in a bronze sculpture that had been passed down through generations in her family.
Unveiling a Family Heirloom
The guest shared with Will Farmer that the sculpture, a bronze piece of a female figure holding a jug, was believed to have originated from the French side of her family, with ties dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s when her grandparents resided in Paris. Upon closer examination, Will discovered a signature on the artwork belonging to Joseph Bernard, a renowned sculptor born in 1866 just outside of Leon.
A Rare Treasure Revealed
Describing the sculpture as one of Bernard’s iconic creations titled Jeune fille a la cruche, or ‘Young Girl with a Jug’, Will emphasized the significance of the piece in the world of art. He highlighted Bernard’s pioneering role in the Art Deco movement, noting that the sculptor’s work was highly influential and celebrated.
Shocking Valuation
To the shock and surprise of the audience, Will revealed that a similar sculpture by Bernard had recently fetched an impressive price of £40,000 at an auction in Paris, far exceeding the initial estimate of £15,000 to £20,000. The guest, initially in disbelief, was overcome with emotion at the unexpected news, expressing gratitude for the priceless family heirloom that had been in their possession for years.
The heartwarming moment on Antiques Roadshow serves as a reminder of the hidden treasures that may lie within our own homes, waiting to be discovered and cherished for generations to come. As the show continues to captivate viewers with its fascinating stories and valuable finds, audiences can look forward to more surprises and revelations in the episodes to come.
