This is exactly what happened to an anonymous woman in Manchester, New Hampshire, recently.
Believing that the artwork might be of some value, she shared some images on Facebook.
This led to the amazing realization that the forgotten find was actually a genuineN.C.
N.C. Wyeth, frontispiece illustration for the book “Ramona” by Helen Hunt Jackson (depicting characters Señora Gonzaga Moreno and Ramona), 25 1/8 x 16 7/8 in., purchased from an antique shop in Manchester, New Hampshire. (Photo:Bonhams Skinner)
Wyethpainting from the early 1900s.
Wyeth’s rendering depicts the characters Senora Gonzaga Moreno and Ramona in an interior scene.
The finder of the painting posted images to anN.C.
N.C. Wyeth, frontispiece illustration for the book “Ramona” by Helen Hunt Jackson (depicting characters Señora Gonzaga Moreno and Ramona), 25 1/8 x 16 7/8 in., purchased from an antique shop in Manchester, New Hampshire. (Photo:Bonhams Skinner)
She was drawn to the photo on the back of the painting, which featured a prominent label.
N.C. Wyeth painted commonly on a brand of panel called Renaissance Panel made by the Weber company, Lewissays.
Also affixed to the back was a label attributing the piece to Wyeth and the novel,Ramona.
N.C. Wyeth, frontispiece illustration for the book “Ramona” by Helen Hunt Jackson (depicting characters Señora Gonzaga Moreno and Ramona), 25 1/8 x 16 7/8 in., purchased from an antique shop in Manchester, New Hampshire. (Photo:Bonhams Skinner)
If the sale goes through, the funds would be life-changing for the finder of the piece.
Lewis adds that she hopes the buyer will make the work available for the general public to see.
There’s nothing like seeing an original painting, she says.
N.C. Wyeth, frontispiece illustration for the book “Ramona” by Helen Hunt Jackson (depicting characters Señora Gonzaga Moreno and Ramona), 25 1/8 x 16 7/8 in., purchased from an antique shop in Manchester, New Hampshire. (Photo:Bonhams Skinner)
The painting will go for auction on September 19, 2023 through the international auction houseBonhams Skinner.
Learn About the 20th Century Illustrator Responsible for Over 100 Books
N.C. Wyeth, frontispiece illustration for the book “Ramona” by Helen Hunt Jackson (depicting characters Señora Gonzaga Moreno and Ramona), 25 1/8 x 16 7/8 in., purchased from an antique shop in Manchester, New Hampshire. (Photo:Bonhams Skinner)
