You found a Rembrandt painting (maybe). Which option do you pursue?

[Rain Man]

Here's an interesting article for you:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart...ine-180985036/

The summary is that an appraiser doing an estate visit in Maine found a painting in the attic that is attributed to Rembrandt.

Assuming that the article is accurate, the owner (heirs?) put it up for auction and it brought $1.41 million.

However, the article said that "if authenticated, the painting could be worth as much as $15 million".

The article talked about how it's not uncommon for people to believe they found a Rembrandt, only to be proven wrong. So my theory is that the owners (heirs?) sold it for a huge discount because it was a guaranteed $1.41 million. If it was proven to be a fake, maybe it would be worth far less. And conversely, the buyer is taking the chance that it's real and buying it at a bargain, understanding that it hasn't been authenticated.

If this was your painting found in your eccentric dead uncle's attic, what would you do? I'll paint a poll in just a moment.

[Imon Yourside]

I would take 100k and a weekend with Edave for sure.

[mr. tegu]

The owner might have some knowledge that would lead them to believe there’s basically no chance it’s real.

It’s costly to get authenticated over seas and it might be one of those things where only a certain group can appraise it so then you risk traveling with it and possible damage.

If I thought it was realistic that it’s real I’d probably wait though.

[lcarus]

That's a tough one. I'd do everything I could to unofficially find out how likely it is the real deal. If all I could find out is 50/50 I'd take the 1.4 million. Im in no position to turn down that kind of money lol

[KCUnited]

I’d hang it next to my 3 framed Sports Illustrated Chiefs Super Bowl covers

[Imon Yourside]

Originally Posted by KCUnited

I’d hang it next to my 3 framed Sports Illustrated Chiefs Super Bowl covers

That would probably push it past the 15 million mark tbh

[TinyEvel]

This thread title is peak Rainman

[notorious]

Originally Posted by KCUnited

I’d hang it next to my 3 framed Sports Illustrated Chiefs Super Bowl covers

Originally Posted by Imon Yourside

That would probably push it past the 15 million mark tbh

Why hang that piece of shit next to true pieces of art.

[FlaChief58]

1.41 million could buy a lot of Chicken Alfredo at Olive Garden

[4th and Long]

Originally Posted by FlaChief58

1.41 million could buy a lot of Chicken Alfredo at Olive Garden

The regular Chicken Alfredo or the Crispy Chicken Alfredo? There's a world of culinary difference here.

[Womble]

I would call Tone and ask if I could borrow Vic the appraiser.

[IowaHawkeyeChief]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Here's an interesting article for you:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart...ine-180985036/

The summary is that an appraiser doing an estate visit in Maine found a painting in the attic that is attributed to Rembrandt.

Assuming that the article is accurate, the owner (heirs?) put it up for auction and it brought $1.41 million.

However, the article said that "if authenticated, the painting could be worth as much as $15 million".

The article talked about how it's not uncommon for people to believe they found a Rembrandt, only to be proven wrong. So my theory is that the owners (heirs?) sold it for a huge discount because it was a guaranteed $1.41 million. If it was proven to be a fake, maybe it would be worth far less. And conversely, the buyer is taking the chance that it's real and buying it at a bargain, understanding that it hasn't been authenticated.

If this was your painting found in your eccentric dead uncle's attic, what would you do? I'll paint a poll in just a moment.

I have some experience in this having a friend who found a Bernard Buffet and believes it could be worth up to $300,000. To get it authenticated he needs to send it to France, however, if they deem it a reproduction, they have the right to destroy it. It is probably similar with the Rembrandt. I may take the $1.41m, as my friend is likely to fetch about $15k without authentication. In his case I would go for it, if I had the Rembrandt, I would sell for that much larger amount. It's like taking the cash out option on a big parlay that you hit 6 of the 7 legs on...