An Australian single mother, Sarah Bonner, found herself regretful after using Facebook Marketplace to sell a painting for $200, only to discover it was actually worth about $20,000.
Struggling single mom Sarah Bonner decided to list it for sale on Tuesday to generate some additional funds. Originally priced at $100, she was pleased when a 'really nice' buyer offered $200
However, her joy turned to disbelief when another person came forward, recognizing the rarity of the piece and estimating its value at $20,000. Furthermore, the picture was identified as one of only 200 in the world.
"I was shocked and felt sick to my stomach that I'd handed over what's not even a weekly shop for me and my three kids," Thomas said.
That buyer informed her the piece was very likely done by French artist Pierre Soulages, who passed away in 2022.
It was sold for over $50,000 but fetched $35 million at auction. The revelation left Bonner shocked, as she only learned the staggering amount it was truly worth after selling it.
'If I knew someone in that situation I would like to see them actually offered a better deal and be honest with them about how much it's worth,' she said.
'It could have really brightened my year and really made a difference to my family.'
After searching an online search, she asserted that the buyer was Leigh Capel, a renowned art dealer in Sydney.
In the subsequent days, Thomas alleged that Capel blocked her number. Now, she wants to talk to Capel and have the painting back. She said that she felt gutted after he took advantage of the situation he bought a piece at a fraction of the value when he was fully aware of the item's significance.
