Proof that a Collector's Eye is Still the Best Tool for Finding Hidden Treasure
Beyond the obvious artistic coup of obtaining another classic work, the recent discovery of a portrait which may be a lost Da Vinci painting raises an interesting point. When analyzing the painting before deciding to buy it, Peter Silverman, the art collector who purchased the painting, found the work to be exquisite and something beyond the norm. It doesn't take a skilled art lab technician to recognize talent (especially considering it took no less than four types of technology to uncover elements that pointed to Leonardo's hand). It just takes an enjoyment and appreciation of great artistic works. Of course, purchasing a renaissance painting does not guarantee a windfall of discovering a potential Da Vinci, but art collectors should remember to trust their guts.
And, if nothing else, this certainly shows that every now and then a $19,000 investment in a beautiful painting can get you 15 minutes of fame... and about $149,978,150 in added value.
