An episode of Antiques Roadshow revealed a stunning appraisal of a cherished family heirloom. A guest on the popular PBS show discovered her great-grandfather’s painting, which is worth approximately $25,000.
Daily Mail reported that the painting in question, a picturesque depiction of mountains and a stream, has been part of the family for generations. Charles Rendell Mabey, a former governor of Utah, originally owned it.
The artist behind this valuable piece is John Ferry, known for his vivid portrayals of the American West. Born to Hungarian parents in Austria, he studied art in Vienna and Munich before moving to the United States in 1883.
John Ferry's move to America began his lifelong fascination with Western landscapes. He is celebrated for his scenic depictions of Yellowstone and Glacier National Park.
In addition to natural landscapes, Ferry’s work included promotional art for the Great Northern Railway. His paintings helped attract visitors to explore the western United States.
The artwork "The Three Patriarchs Zion Canyon Utah" features three iconic cliffs in Zion National Park. It was painted in July 1920, when Ferry was living in Utah.
The back of the painting carries the inscription of its completion date, affirming its authenticity and historical value. The connection to Charles Rendell Mabey, a significant political figure, adds to its provenance.
Neither the guest nor her family were aware of the painting's significant worth until its recent appraisal on Antiques Roadshow.
Debra Force, the show’s host and an expert in art history, informed the guest of the painting’s potential gallery price, which left her momentarily speechless. Upon hearing the valuation, the guest's reaction shifted from shock to a pleased grin.
During the episode, Force elaborated on Ferry's artistic significance and the desirability of his work in today’s art market. She remarked on his status as a sought-after artist for collectors, particularly for his Montana scenes, although this particular piece depicted Utah’s landscape.
The revelation has sparked an interest in the guest to further explore John Ferry’s oeuvre online, seeking to understand more about other works by the artist.
This unexpected valuation highlights the often-overlooked stories behind family heirlooms. It brings to light the historical and cultural significance of such pieces, not only as art but as keepers of personal and public history.
As art and history intertwine, each piece, like the one owned by Mabey's great-granddaughter, carries a narrative that resonates through generations. This story serves as a reminder of the treasures that may be hidden in plain sight, waiting to be rediscovered and appreciated anew.
