NARRATIVE – As an autodidact, the gallery owner Johann Naldi has developed into a renowned art expert. His specialty? The search for unknown treasures. He told that Figaro his most extraordinary shots.
Gustave Courbet
One day, in a room in Drouot, Johann Naldi noticed a unique painting depicting a reclining bather. He approaches the imposing screen, surprised that no visitor is really interested in the model’s ironic and provocative gaze. Known in the middle – he happens to be followed in his movements in the heart of the famous Parisian auction house – he feigns indifference in order not to attract attention. Suddenly his heart beats. Because the painting bears the signature of Gustave Courbet. Willingly bluffing, he listlessly asks an on-site expert for an estimate. “Let’s say three hundred euros. Four hundred euros at the most‘ the specialist replies without looking around. Johann Naldi is amazed. Decides to sign up for this second rate sale. And expect tough competition. “It’s rare to be the only one dreaming of getting your hands on a treasure‘ he testifies in his book Outside the frame, How many masterpieces sleep in your attic?
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