"Retired NYC Dog Walker's Dream Painting Fails at Auction"
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.