A former NYC dog walker, Mark Herman, who possessed a painting by abstract artist Chuck Close, had high hopes of selling it for millions. However, when the painting was put up for auction, it fell short of his expectations. Herman had received the artwork from a former lawyer and friend, Isidore Silver, and after learning of Close's artworks' high value, he reached out to Sotheby's auction house. But the auction was canceled due to concerns about the painting's authenticity. Eventually, the painting was confirmed to be a work by Close, and it was sold for $40,000 to Long Island Lawyer James Pincow.
A retired dog walker who was gifted a painting by artist Chuck Close, which he believed would be worth $10 million, was only able to sell it at auction for $40,000. The former dog walker, Mark Herman, arranged the auction with Sotheby's but received no live bids and had to settle for the low price. Despite his disappointment, Herman reflects that having a lot of money would only add pressure to his life.
A retired NYC dog walker's dreams were shattered when a painting he believed to be worth $10 million by artist Chuck Close sold for only $40,000 at auction. The retiree, Mark Herman, had received the painting as a gift from a friend and had high hopes for its value. However, the artist's estate had no record of the painting, causing doubts. A photograph of the painting was later discovered, confirming its authenticity. Despite initial estimates of $20,000 to $30,000, the painting received only one bid at $40,000. The buyer, Long Island lawyer James Pincow, saw potential in the undervalued artwork and was intrigued by its backstory.
Mark Herman, a former dog walker, was given an untitled Chuck Close painting by a retired lawyer and professor named Isidore Silver. After struggling to authenticate the painting, Herman finally found proof that it was indeed by Close. He arranged for the painting to be sold at auction, hoping for a high six-figure sum. However, the painting failed to attract any live bids and ultimately sold for an undisclosed amount to James Pincow and his father. Herman expressed disappointment but also relief, as he felt that having a large sum of money would have added unnecessary pressure to his life.
