Rodin "Eternal Spring" Bronze, ca. 1900 | Extraordinary Finds: Extras | ANTIQUES ROADSHOW | PBS

At ROADSHOW’s 2016 visit to Fort Worth, Texas, a guest named James brought in an Auguste Rodin bronze sculpture that belonged to his father’s great-aunt. Appraiser Eric Silver valued the bronze between $450,000 and $500,000 on the contingency that the piece could be authenticated as a genuine Rodin. Two days after the Fort Worth event, James contacted appraiser Meredith Meuwly to help him authenticate the piece with the hope of selling it. In this segment, both Silver and Meuwly explain more about Rodin, the rigorous authentication process, and what James’ piece ultimately sold for at Sotheby’s!

[@isosteric]

The best aspect of this is the fact that he gave it back to his Father to help with funding his retirement. What an amazing thing to do.

[@tradcatholic]

Sorry about the CRAZY comments here. Sickos are rearing their ugly heads. What you said about this man is true. His father clearly raised a descent human being 🥰

[@jenniferlawrence9473]

@nunya inct Wow, "Lesbian Dance Theory?" Hitting the bong and playing video games all day? Can you say clueless right wing ideology? You sound like you know what you're talking about, but in the end, your just another right wing Fascist idiot. No one cares about your theories. Okay? Oh, and I see your subscription to "Liberals Send Scandinavian Girls to be Beheaded" which was terminated for violating KZbin's terms of conduct. Nut jobs.

[@paxconsciente3352]

typical abuse, his father emotionally abused the poor sod and manipulated him into thinking it was his duty to pay him anything! pathetic

[@tradcatholic]

@nunya inct 👿

[@tradcatholic]

@@jenniferlawrence9473 👿

[@rlg4415]

I grew up with this family and both his parents were my teachers!!!

[@june2420111]

What a good son! He gave it back to his father. Hope all the proceeds were used go provide him with all the comfort needed during his retirement.

[@randylevy]

Nobody mentioning how absolutely stunning that sculpture is!

[@Jaqvander]

A lot of talking about the money and it being 'important'

[@japooskas]

Those two kissing didnt look as if it was from real life, it felt as they were from a myth and fantasy. Beautiful and evocative

[@gybx4094]

These Appraisers really are passionate about their profession. All of us should have that pride in our jobs!

[@kachi2782]

When you flip burgers or work in a slaughterhouse you're not going to find that kind of pride easily

[@ariochiv]

WOW, he gave it back to his father. I mean, he'll probably see some of that cash back when his father passes, but still... what a mensch.

[@bjay4u280]

Mensch what an authentic word.

[@IPlayPianoInMyPjs]

What an amazing find and what an amazing man to have given it back to his father so he could live comfortably in his retirement. Fantastic video! Thank you!

[@piustwelfth]

The Legion of Honor museum in SF has one of the largest Rodin collections in the world. One of his most important patrons was a San Francisco woman named Alma Spreckels. She married Adolph Spreckels, multi-millionaire owner of the Spreckels Sugar Co. Alma was the person who invented the term "sugar daddy". She became a big art collector and donated the funds to build the museum and house her collection. It's located on a bluff overlooking the Golden Gate. I highly recommend it to those visiting SF.

[@darbyheavey406]

Also visit the Rodin Museum in Philadelphia, PA. It is the largest collection of Rodin’s work outside of Paris.

[@Xx-ib6bf]

How interesting! Thank you for this wonderful info!

[@deannatodd-goodson4321]

Thanks for this information. Another destination to put on my list.

[@bunnymcfoo8650]

@@deannatodd-goodson4321 If you're ever in the Bay Area, I also highly recommend the De Young museum as well - it's the sibling museum of the Legion, and has a massive collection of American art, Oceanic art, and textiles. Both museums host some truly spectacular travelling exhibits, and I was fortunate enough to see an exhibit of Monet's later work at the De Young just before the pandemic.

[@karenjcosme]

TIL what a 'lifetime' cast means! Thank you for that, AR. How wonderful for the owner and his son.

[@AndrewBarsky]

Such an amazing piece! 👏 The kid took care of his dad. It’s just a “thing” but some people really enjoy “things.” He sold it to take care of his dad and also allowed someone/institution to persevere it for others to enjoy. Hope dad did some traveling and enjoyed his twilight years. What was considered to be just a weird handmedown gave the old man the chance to do whatever he wanted!

[@christopherwall444]

This entire video is now my favorite Roadshow piece. True art..genius artist..wonderful people...

[@galady8632]

Such a touching story. Obviously a great man/Dad raised a great man/son.

[@mena94x3]

(sculpture of people) “trying to capture real emotions of people” . . . To say the least. That piece _OOZES_ passionate emotion. I _adore_ it.

[@lisamelroy2855]

He was brilliant at what he did. Don't know if you remember the Russian skating pair Gordeeva and Grinkov...one of their routines incorporated multiple poses from Rodin sculptures, and it was beautiful to watch, like his art had come to life.

[@mena94x3]

@@lisamelroy2855 - Now that you mention it, I do remember that. 🥰🥰🥰

[@lisamelroy2855]

@@mena94x3 Since they were a couple in real life, you could feel the passion in their routine, so it was a perfect fit. I need to see if it's on KZbin somewhere...🤔

[@cittiavaticano]

I love seeing the passion of these people....

[@clarekuehn4372]

It was beautifully cast. Gorgeous.

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

Fascinating! thank you for posting this video, I hope there are more to come, LOVE the A. R. !!

[@pcbacklash_3261]

It's funny. Most people notice the thrill of the owner when they find out how much their family heirloom is worth, but what's probably not noticed is the thrill of the appraiser when he or she realizes they're holding an authentic masterpiece in their hands -- which, as this appraiser notes -- doesn't happen very often.

[@lisamelroy2855]

Leigh and Leslie - the Keno Brothers - could never contain their excitement when appraising authentic pieces, either!

[@NORTAH85]

This stuff is so cool, to me. It’s so amazing that things like this get lost for years and years.. then all of a sudden it’s found! So cool!

[@mikekerr6747]

Absolutely astonishing

[@John94709]

The owner sounds like John Candy. Wow! Wow! LOL

[@borjastick]

And they all looked like John Candy. So many fat people all in one place.

[@Teeveepicksures]

@@borjastick It's because they're Texans. Food, Guns, and Bibles are their 3 pillars of existence. "Give me Heart Disease or give me death!"

[@IrishAnnie]

He does!!!!! I miss John Candy.

[@ashwantbikramshah9755]

Lots of WOWS!!!

[@syx3s]

it's so nice to see when people not floating around on their ego bring in valuable pieces that happen to be real.

[@jan_phd]

We have many works by Rodin in our sitting area, I like sitting amongst them, at lunch.

[@corner559]

I love the follow up stories!

[@2TMarie]

His family had great taste in art!!

[@michaelschuett7044]

I love seeing the National treasures that are discovered on this show and the appraiser expressions.

[@EchoBravo370]

the national treasures of France

[@LinkRocks]

Kudos to the son for giving it back to his father so he could have a nice retirement fund.

[@RonGee]

Makes sense to sell it. I don't know what the insurance premium would be to cover something like that, but it's got to be more than your car insurance.

[@VC-Toronto]

It might surprise you. A sculpture (typically) can't cause damage to another person or property that runs into the millions of dollars of liability the way a car on the road can. Most of the time the largest portion of your car insurance is the liability, not the replacement cost for your own car.

[@robertbrewer2190]

Part of the insurance would be an elaborate anti theft system, probably starting with a rebuild of the part of the home in which it was kept, and then on to fire, etc etc etc. Very expensive to make it insurable!

[@fvckoff4ever561]

It’s crazy how he could sculpt such intricate, small sculptures with those massive wings he has.

[@jeroen9637]

Like he said: "wow".

[@trishg5820]

If you can't make it to France to see Rodin sculptures you can check out the Maryhill Museum in Washington state. The museum collection contains more than 80 works by Rodin, including bronzes, terra cottas, plaster studies, and watercolor sketches.

[@SMarkGee]

'wow, wow, wow' says it all !

[@kurtdahle]

3:24 " the protection there on the left"

[@bobbycratchet3958]

Howm I gonna... We got protection for you. 'Nuf said.

[@jamesjwalsh]

I'm gonna give you an appraisal you can't refuse.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

@@jamesjwalsh lolol

[@roliepoliecolie2200]

Nothing like discovering you've found a treasure. Nothing like selling it to buy ten more treasures. Happy huntings kids. 😎😎😎

[@sampuatisamuel9785]

Great story

[@Zero_thehero]

Merediths got it going on

[@JWP452]

WOW!

[@kitkat2472]

The only rodins i ever saw in my life were at the Rodin museum in Paris. This means that real people can own one of these masterpieces ???

[@lisamelroy2855]

Yes.

[@brucekaraus7330]

Meredith is adorable!

[@CBeard849]

WOW..........!!

[@sunnyscott4876]

I have a nice bronze sculpture that I inherited from my MIL and aunt. I took it to a local version of Antiques Roadshow, and they told me it was worth $300-$400. I think someone should look at it again. I was underwhelmed.

[@2anthro]

"We already got one."

[@mikemalone4729]

Go away or I will taunt you a second time-a

[@phyllisarrington7436]

WOW

[@415nerissa]

Where is the Seal. Ring. Appraisal.

[@Chr.U.Cas2216]

👍👌👏

[@vytasrauckis6703]

Parents in Florida covering their children's eyes when they watch this vid.

[@h.j.hatcher6265]

Go dig up my grandparents it's party time lol

[@AndySaenz]

Wow, the signature of the sculptor on it makes all the difference! That’s how you can tell an authentic one from a fake one.

[@kathyakamimi4989]

Well, actually there are many other things they look at besides the signature.

[@EchoBravo370]

anyone can fake a signature

[@VC-Toronto]

@@EchoBravo370 Yes, but do they have the "certificate of authenticity" with the embossed gold seal? I know people with items from the Franklin Mint, and the COA is an important piece of the collection.

[@stoolpigeon4285]

Wow

[@SkyeRangerNick]

Happy story; happy ending.

[@vessaj4482]

😄 🤣

[@mikemalone4729]

“Second state, third reduction”. This must mean how many were cast with the form. Google isn’t helping. What specifically does this mean?

[@ashleighjaimaosborne3966]

“Reduction Firing - Firing process whereby oxygen is regulated to create a special effect on the fired clay or glaze.”. This is the only information I could find. I was curious also. 🇨🇦

[@mikemalone4729]

@@ashleighjaimaosborne3966 thank you. I legitimately tried to find the answer but couldn’t get anything that made sense.

[@lisamelroy2855]

I would contact a nearby university with a strong art department. Someone there should be able to explain the terminology.

[@OWEN-CASH]

When a bronze is first cast, the artist inspects it to see if any changes are needed before casting the rest of the edition. If any changes are made, each is referred to as the next "state" (second state, third state, etc.). Reduction is a smaller version of a larger sculpture. A "third reduction" would be a sculpture that was reduced three times in size from the original. So a “second state, third reduction” would be a sculpture that was reduced three sizes smaller than the original and modified once after the first casting. Hope this makes sense.

[@mikemalone4729]

@@OWEN-CASH THANK YOU!!

[@PhilipHema-td5vd]

Rodin equal to Michelangelo? Given the technology avail back in the middle ages compared to Rodin's time, I don't believe the comparison is accurate. However, there is no doubt Rodin's artistic importance is well-earned and well-deserved.

[@michellariviere4911]

What is buyers premium

[@addamz3277]

25%

[@trojan6530]

Its EXQUISITE!!! I Must have one...

[@jornahpee]

good luck

[@MrPhotodoc]

It would be worth much more here in 2024.

[@richardbuchanan5497]

Didn't Rodan fight Godzilla over the destruction of Tokyo?

[@vessaj4482]

😄 🤣

[@DanielAdamBell1977]

I thought the guy was Owen Wilson for a while.

[@AdamosDad]

Cha Ching!!💵💵💵💵💵💵💵

[@beatrizboccheciampe4941]

IT LOOKS ORIGINAL TO ME. That sculpture is worth millions.

[@vinnyzingaro]

"we have protection for you"...

[@darklordojeda]

Wow Merideth is an absolute babe. I clicked because she was in the thumbnail not the sculpture. What a work of art.

[@AzriellaRipley]

The guy sounds like the guy saying wow from "The Whitest Kids You Know" the PCP skit!!!! I'm not even kidding he sounds exactly shocked! I'm freaking for this guy I hope his sells for the price quoted on the sale of another...if not more! Hope you retire guy and take care of your family and their future, if you sell, because it was passed down to you/him.

[@daninbox]

I understood the reference lol.

[@AzriellaRipley]

@@daninbox Really? I've never know another to have even heard of those dudes, awesome. I've shared that with a few pals and seriously their reaction was like, WOW!

[@daninbox]

@@AzriellaRipley lol. 3 weeks ago Trevor came back and started The Quarantine Show with his WKUK cast mates.

[@AzriellaRipley]

@@daninbox I had no idea, thanks for letting me know so I can check it out.

[@vilamor007]

Wow 😂😂😂

[@TheGigantium]

It's not about a work of art to him but purely and simply about money....

[@kachi2782]

Once he got the letter saying that this was a real one he should have NEVER gone through an auction house but sell it privately. Had he contacted real buyers he would have sold it for 600 000 pounds and wouldn't have had to pay a percentage to anyone. Beginners' mistake. NEVER sell your valuable via an auction house.

[@kachi2782]

60 years ago A friend of mine got her hand on a Japanese hanging scroll. She thought nothing of it for years until she saw a similar one on TV and so she had her piece looked at by a professional. They immediately offered her 50 000 dollars for it. Sadly for them my friend is smart so she had the piece authenticate in Japan (she went to Japan with the piece rolled in a blanket in her carry on), in Japan an auction house promised her to sell it for the equivalent of 100 000 dollars easily . She asked how much the commission was and they told her 35% she said no thank you. She had a 30 days visa and not enough money to spend 30 days in Japan, so she checked out in a cyber cafe who had the largest collection of this painter (Ito Jakuchu), she found out that the largest collection belonged to the imperial family so she just approached the Kunaicho which is the organization you deal with for anything related with the imperial family in Japan. She provided photos and a copy of the letter of authenticity to them via email. 5 days later the piece was bought privately, the money was placed in a bag for her (that was 60 years ago), she went back to her country and never worked a day in her life. Today this piece is exposed only once every 15 years by the Tokyo Ueno Museum and can only ne seen then, and is kept in the imperial safes the rest of the year. She never disclosed how much she received but 6 months after the sale she was living ina gorgeous house in Switzerland until the day she died, just enjoying life. With 100 000 dollars even 60 years ago she would have bought a nice mansion and kept on working, but she was offered millions (60 years ago). She was also sworn to secrecy until the day she died and she only told me the real story on her deathbed. She also left me some money, which i refused (she was the owner of a few animals and i was their vet). Instead she signed the check to an animal shelter. Wonderful lady.

[@fondonteven8241]

xoEric

[@theexperiment8498]

Sir, don’t say wow if the news is good.

[@Padoinky]

Once hid dad passes on, he’ll get the remaining funds from when it was sold at auction for $750k

[@notintohandles]

A good son.

[@mrTeaspoonsel]

5:24 Ah you mean milimeters. welcome to the metric system.

[@danielbennett2405]

Hundredth of a centimeter isn't a millimeter.

[@georgehare2915]

not quite OFAH grandadas watch

[@stelsue1958]

Ok...I believe it is a world treasure, recieved "The Kiss" in a dark patina as a wedding gift, I could feel the love & desire in the work. On another note, hoping the appraiser gets some soon.

[@paulweston8408]

That is such a beautiful sculpture!!! And sorry, I gotta say it, he's also my favorite TMNT. Again sorry.

[@kengrantham4176]

Does the guy know any words besides “wow”?

[@babawali3021]

After you are gobsmacked with a dollar estimate and made speechless, all you can say is "Wow, wow!!"

[@zunedog31]

When you are told that a block of twisted bronze is worth as much as a large home, yes.

[@Norfolk250]

I'd rather have 400 50,000 dollars, than to have 400 and 50,000 dollars. -- a difference of 300 99,000 600 dollars

[@jornahpee]

for sure bro

[@mikenealon4042]

carved himself out a big chunk o'cash, eh?

[@TheFinnola]

Extraordinarily his moral heart returned it to his father💯

[@thursdayschild1339]

She calls "catalog raisonne" "catalog resume" twice. I thought she's supposed to be an expert?

[@SKF358]

You can get a really nice car for that.

[@tommypetraglia4688]

Cuzin It alert 3:29 I mean come on, really, on what planet does that look good? At least it appears brushed out

[@proinseasokiellig4388]

The owner sounds like John Candy..

[@webster7222]

Having a single person in the world to authenticate is bullcrap

[@litigioussociety4249]

It's just an aspect of a free market. Buyers demand the highest level of authentication, and at the time that person's stamp of approval was more valuable than anyone else's. It's like when a mathematical proof or a new element is discovered, there are specific individuals or institutions that more credible media will often wait to hear from before they will confirm the findings.

[@TheSamoht67]

It's not a single person, it is a group of experts who consult on the piece, the letter is issued by the head of that group.

[@w.urlitzer1869]

it is the Rodin Committee of the Musee Rodin in Paris that authenticates his work.

[@HunterShows]

Over 80 of them, I'm surprised they are worth as much as they are.

[@jamesrawlins735]

It's because Rodin is so beloved and such a giant as far a sculpture is concerned. Btw, France actually passed a law in 1956 that limits a max of 12 casts for one piece. There are a number of critics that dislike multiple castings because it's not a true creation but a copy.

[@HunterShows]

@@jamesrawlins735 Well that's the thing. If you mass produced them, they wouldn't be worth much even if a great artist designed it.

[@lisamelroy2855]

@@HunterShows Unless it's a Rodin, or some comparable sculptor, if there is one.

[@michaelhughes3302]

Somebody aught to bronze Meredith's bust. Wow!

[@kengrantham4176]

Michael Hughes, There’s not enough bronze in the entire world! 😉😉

[@lombohihelingeg1775]

The second index socioeconomically trip because silk neurochemically admire underneath a elfin snowboarding. swanky, depressed vegetarian

[@Luboman411]

At 6:38. Wait, so the guy sold for $296,000 in London. But this woman then comes out and says that TODAY it would sell for between $400,000 to $500,000! Why didn't she tell this family to wait a few more years, so that the extra Rodins coming to market would clear out and then see the prices go back up again??? What kind of expert is she??? I would be so mad if I was the seller. That's an extra $100,000 to $200,000 he lost because he didn't wait about three more years! :(

[@RustyPetterson]

You sound like the type of person who'd complain to her manager 3 years later, lol.

[@olwenloud9704]

Luboman411 maybe the crystal ball was cloudy.

[@w.urlitzer1869]

No good deed goes unpunished.

[@orsors2129]

Pounds sterling not US dollars.

[@ashleighjaimaosborne3966]

£300,000 pounds is $480,000 Can.

[@Fabi1701A]

Rodin was inspired by one of his students camille Claudel , he stole her ideas and sucked life out of her, she was young and talented, in love with him so bad that he drove her crazy. She ended in a mental institution and never sculpted again…

[@addamz3277]

Riiiight... She's probably the clingy type

[@gerrynightingale9045]

*WOW!* *Just think of how many 'F-150's' and 'lynchin' ropes' can be bought with that much money!* *"I betcha' I kin finally get a proper memorial for Oswald in Dallas!"* *"A real 'Murikin Hero"*

[@sharksport01]

The appraisers day job is a janitor.

[@bertlo5477]

Could have done without the chunky gal in the end.

[@vickigranacher3357]

You could have just replayed the video and focused on the Rodin. No need to get offended. Do you have the virus or are you just naturally rude and obnoxious?

[@bertlo5477]

@@vickigranacher3357 Sorry if you're as unsavory as she is.

[@heatherwaldorf]

Bert Lo who hurt you, Bertha? Poverty?

[@JamesJones-yj8ku]

Low Bert Easy to talk crap behind a monitor 😀

[@bertlo5477]

@@JamesJones-yj8ku I'd say that directly to anyone, but you're right, it is a bit easy, isn't it?

[@smallsmalls3889]

Wow