When Marisa Macy of Cincinnati, Ohio, picked up a $2.99 painting at her local Goodwill, she was just interested in the frame. Before long, she realized it was the “most insane thrift find ever,” and its sale at auction brought her nearly $2,000.
Macy told Newsweek, “I quickly realized this was an original painting and not some kind of high-quality print.” Once she bought it and was on her way to her car, she noticed a plaque with the name Johann Berthelsen on the frame. A quick online search showed her that she may have a treasure on her hands. According to Heritage Auctions, Berthelsen’s paintings often sell for $10,000 to $30,000.
Johann Berthelsen (1883-1972) was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, and immigrated to the United States as a child with his mother and siblings. He trained as a singer and started painting in his spare time during his career as a performer and voice teacher. During the Great Depression, many of his students could no longer afford to study with him, so his paintings became his primary source of income. His most famous, best-selling paintings are his Impressionist style scenes of New York City in winter.
Macy’s painting proved to be one of these scenes: a snowy view of the chapel at St. Patrick’s Church. Saying she “immediately doubted it was real,” she posted a picture on a Facebook page for art appraisers. That led to a meeting with Cincinnati auction house Caza Sikes, whose art experts confirmed the painting’s authenticity.
The painting sold on February 19 in Caza Sikes’s Fine + Decorative Art auction for $2,875, including buyer’s premium. According to Newsweek, Macy received “a little under $2,000” for her “once-in-a-lifetime find.” She and her fiancé are saving the money for their wedding.
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