A small marble statue, once casually used as a doorstop in Scotland, has been revealed to hold immense historical and monetary value. Now poised for auction, it is expected to sell for an astounding Rs 27 crore. This piece, purchased for just $6 (around Rs 506) decades ago, has an intriguing history.
Rediscovery of a Priceless Artifact
The statue depicts John Gordon, a notable 18th-century French landowner and politician. Created by renowned sculptor Adam Bouchard, the artifact dates back to the early 1700s. Initially acquired by the Invergordon Community Council in the 1930s, it was placed in a park and largely overlooked for its historical significance. For years, the statue remained exposed to the elements, serving as little more than a decorative feature.
In recent times, its true origins and artistic value were uncovered, causing quite a stir. Experts identified the statue as a significant work of French art, transforming its status from an overlooked relic to a sought-after treasure.
Legal Battle Over the Sale
Efforts to sell the statue faced legal hurdles, with the matter eventually landing in court. The Scottish Highland Council was granted permission to auction the piece, and experts estimate the statue could fetch more than $3.2 million (approximately Rs 27 crore).
A private buyer reportedly offered £2.5 million for the statue, but the council declined the offer, opting instead for a formal auction. The upcoming sale is expected to attract international bidders, reflecting the growing interest in rare historical artifacts.
Similar Case of a Hidden Treasure
This is not the first instance of an ordinary object turning out to be extraordinarily valuable. In 2018, a rock used as a doorstop at Central Michigan University was revealed to be a rare meteorite. Researchers discovered it was part of an extraterrestrial fragment that only falls to Earth once in decades. The meteorite was later sold for $75,000 (approximately Rs 63 lakh), leaving the university community astonished.
From Doorstop to Priceless Treasure
The marble statue’s journey from an unassuming park feature to a multimillion-dollar artifact highlights the hidden value in everyday objects. Whether due to ignorance or oversight, such treasures often go unnoticed until they are reevaluated through the lens of history and art.
As the auction date approaches, anticipation is mounting. The sale of this statue will not only mark a significant moment in the art world but also serve as a reminder to look a little closer at what might otherwise seem mundane.
