­TV-show art appraiser discovers million-dollar Rivera painting

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Published time: January 15, 2013 11:34
Edited time: January 15, 2013 15:34

An independent art and antiques expert has discovered a Diego Rivera original painting worth $1 million to kick off the new season of PBS’s Antiques Roadshow TV-series.

Boston-based auctioneer and appraiser Colleene Fesko, taking part in PBS’s Antiques Roadshow identified a lost painting by one of the best-known Mexican artists Diego Rivera, Art Daily reports.

On January 7 in the first episode of the show’s new season the appraiser estimated the painting to be worth around $800,000 to $1 million.

The episode was filmed in Corpus Christi, Texas. The painting was brought to light by a local resident. The painting dates to 1904 and is titled "El Albanil," and has set an appraisal record for the Antique Roadshow program, which has been on air since 1997 in the United States.

The ten-time Emmy Award-nominated program marks its 17th season in 2013. The show has scooped the title of PBS's highest-rated series, watched by almost 10 million viewers every week.

The show features the country’s leading specialists from major auction houses uncovering art mysteries and discovering treasures.