$ 12 sketch purchased at auction can be Renoir artwork, says the shop owner

A Pennsylvania woman believes that a sketch purchased for $ 12 may be a named piece by French Impressionist champion Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Heidi Markow, the owner of Rescue items in easton, pen., Made a routine trip to an auction in Montgomery County in January 2025 to source for her antique shop. When she bought a figure drawing at a humble price, she was stunned by the artist’s signature which she later discovered.

Etched in the paragraph seems to be the name “Renoir.” The label also proposes that the former owner of the sketch previously donated it to Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Markow tells People that the drawing once belonged to the Madeira family, a prominent group of art collectors in the Philadelphia Fine Art scene. The family donated 22 impressionistic paintings to the Philadelphia Museum of Art 1963.

The alleged Renoir Sketch’s latest owner was probably the late Helen Tyson Madeira, who died in 2014. Madeira was the granddaughter of John A. Roebling, the architect who designed and built Brooklyn Bridge. She financed several local art and music initiatives during her lifetime.

Markow, who got his own Assessment Certificate from the Asheford Institute of Antiques 2024Have long had an eye for artistic talent. “Throughout my career I have come across many interesting objects, but this potential Renoir discovery is really outstanding in my experience,” Markow tells People. “The exquisite lines and the masterful shading of light really show Renoir’s genius.”

The work of the late Renoir has continued to inspire artists and fashion designers all over the world. Born in 1841, he is generally regarded as a father of the Impressionism School for painting and died in 1919 at 78.

Among Renoir’s most remarkable paintings are Dance at BougivalThe BAL YOU MOULIN DE LA GALETTE, and Two sisters.

Markow believes that this rare sketch can portray Renoir’s wife, Aline Charigot, in the mid-19th century. “From my research I have learned that Aline was a seamstress from Essoyes who met Renoir around 1879 when she was 21 and he was 38 years old. She started as her model and lover and shows up in many of his famous works including including Luncheon of the boating party,“Says Markow.

Never miss a story – register for People’s free daily newsletters Keeping up to date on the best of what people have to offer, from celebrity news to compelling stories of human interest.

“What is fascinating about this drawing is how it captures the features that Renoir was designed in Aline – her rosy cheeks and skin that took the light well. I am beaten by the soft, atmospheric quality of the carbon, which beautifully makes her mild features.”

Markow considers her next step carefully but plans to submit the paragraph to Wildenstein Platner Institute’s Catalog on April 10. The institute is a non -profit foundation in New York City, which was founded in 2016.

“My primary goal would be to make sure it finds a home where it can be appreciated and cared for properly,” Markow tells People. “I believe that works of art of this meaning deserve to be seen and studied.”

“Whether it means selling it to a collector who really values ​​impressionistic art or exploring alternatives for it to be displayed in a museum environment, I want to make sure this potential masterpiece receives recognition and care it deserves.”