"Fake or Fortune?" is a popular show in the UK where experts evaluate "home" artworks. In one of the recent episodes, David Taylor from Lincoln participated after purchasing a painting at a local auction that resembled works by famous Impressionists. The attractive price - "only" 2,000 pounds - did not suggest he was dealing with an important piece of art. The experts' verdict surprised him.
He bought a painting for a bargain. It's worth a fortune
The painting, depicting young women gathering something in a field, caught David Taylor's attention at a local online auction. The bright colors, beautiful execution, and modest price led him to believe, as reported by the BBC, that the painting held more value than it seemed at first glance. "It was clear right away that it was painted by someone who knew what they were doing." It turns out he was right. After removing the frame, he discovered the signature "McNicoll," which led him to the Canadian Impressionist who worked over 100 years ago.
On the show "Fake or Fortune?", experts closely examined the painting and confirmed it as an authentic work by Helen McNicoll, causing its value to skyrocket from 2,000 pounds to 300,000 pounds. The painting, titled "Bean Harvest," had been missing since 1913 in Canada, and its subsequent history is unknown. The artwork was thoroughly examined, confirming the use of the same pigment and canvas McNicoll used during her time in Canada.
Helen McNicoll was well-known in Montreal and Quebec during her lifetime, gaining respect as a very young and talented artist, something not so common in those times. McNicoll was deaf, but with the help of her family, she didn’t let it hinder her work. She studied at one of the first art schools in Montreal and later moved to London to explore European art movements, choosing London over the more popular Paris due to the language barrier. She could read lips in English, but French was a challenge for her.
When she returned to Canada, she was deeply influenced by Impressionism. She loved painting nature, rural landscapes, cliffs, and meadows, using bright and warm colors. She closely collaborated with British painter Dorothea Sharp – they not only ran a studio together but also traveled, lived, and worked together. McNicoll died very young due to diabetes at the age of just 35. She left behind around 80 works, which were exhibited both in Canada and the UK during her lifetime.
The painting, rediscovered after more than 100 years, has temporarily been placed in a museum. The lucky owner plans to auction it soon – for much more than 2,000 pounds.
