Two shows re-bid the auctions under the spotlightpushing the French to explore their attics search for hidden treasures. A treasure in your homebroadcast on M6 between 2010 and 2019, offered individuals the opportunity to have their old, often forgotten objects appraised, with the help of Jérôme Anthony and
auctioneersin the hope of seeing them shine in the auction room.
But it is above all Deal donelaunched in 2017 on France 2, which made auctions a truly popular phenomenon. Inspired by a German show, the show features amateurs who come to sell finds unearthed in flea markets or rediscovered in the back of a garage, under the gaze of auctioneers who have become stars of the small screen. Some
sales border on spectacular : a simple mirror, bought for 150 euros in a flea market, flew away
127.000 euros in 2021!
Treasures discovered in French houses
All professionals agree that these programs have had a beneficial effect about their profession, now better understood by the general public. The success cannot be denied, and despite the departure of Sophie Davant in 2023, replaced by Julia Vignali, Deal done continues to attract more and more every daya million viewerswith an audience increasing slightly since the start of 2024, as shared The Parisian.
Proof of this craze occurring in 2023: a sculpture, which has been enthroned for years on the fireplace of a 91 year old ladycreated a surprise by selling for
sum of 126,000 euros at the Saint-Aubin auction house, in Toulouse, according to information reported by
The Dispatch. « It’s an extraordinary story », summarized Thérèse, the main person concerned. It all started in the spring of 2022, when Julien Labarbe, auctioneer, went to this small village in Haute-Garonne with the Expertibus, his free expertise truck. Intrigued, the nonagenarian then asked him to come to her house “ just to know the history of my objects ».
crédit photo : Shutterstock A sculpture that caught the attention of the auctioneer
A bronze statue which surprised the auctioneer
The same evening, Julien entered his house and immediately spotted a small bronze statue on the fireplace. By reading the signature, he discovered that it was a work of Mahmoud Mokhtarfamous Egyptian sculptor. He immediately contacted his father, Me Marc Labarbe, auctioneer in Toulouse. A few days later, he confirmed the value of the sculpture. “ He then told me that my
statue was very expensive », remembered Thérèse. Before continuing: “ He was even scared at the idea of me keeping her at home, who lives alone, sans
protection. »
The auctioneer offered to take the sculpture for appraisal, which Thérèse accepted without hesitation. In the process, Marc Labarbe contacted the children of the nonagenarian. “ He called me to explain the situation. “, said Catherine, one of Thérèse’s daughters. And to add: “ He even took a selfie with my mom to reassure me. » This statue, which belonged to Thérèse’s father-in-lawhas always been part of the family decor. “ I have always seen her in the house, since 1960. », Confided Catherine, but its origin remains unclear. “ The last time she appeared officially was in a gallery in Paris
in the 1930s. But how did it get to us? Mystery. Our grandfather, however talkative, never talked about it. »
A statue sold for 126,000 euros at an auction
Titled On the banks of the Nilethe sculpture represents a woman carrying a jug on her head and measures 85 cm. Alone twelve copies of this size exist in the world. “ For me it is the most elegant works by Mahmoud Mokhtar. At the time, it was criticized for being neither Egyptian enough nor art deco enough. Today, this singularity makes it a marvel. »detailed the expert, who estimated it between 60,000 and 80,000 euros. A total surprise for the family: “ We absolutely didn’t expect it! It gave us really nice. »
If Thérèse felt a little pang at the idea of parting with this sculpture which has so much sentimental value, the
decision to sell it was quickly taken. “
Just one statue for my three daughters would have been
complicated to share. And no one could have bought it back from others. »she explained. A few months later, on November 10, 2023, the auction takes place. Five buyers from different parts of the world competed for the work by telephone. “ Switzerland, theSaudi ArabiaEgypt, Paris… », listed the auctioneer, specifying that each person submitted a
deposit of 10,000 euros before the sale.
crédit photo : Shutterstock A substantial sum obtained thanks to the sale of the sculpture
In the room, Thérèse and Catherine closely followed the auctions. The pricing has started at 50,000 eurosbut very quickly, the amounts climbed: 60,000, 70,000, 90,000, 110,000… Until reach 126,000 euros. « I was hoping to cross the 100,000 mark
», revealed Catherine. Before adding, not without joy: “ It’s way out of date. I immediately informed my sister and my children. Everyone is delighted. » Thérèse plans to share this sum with her family: “ I want my
girls have fun. Me, at my age, I don’t need much anymore. » As for Me Labarbe, he
collected his commission« between 10 and 20%
».
