Sometimes the most fascinating stories in art history begin in the most unexpected places.
During the appraisal of an estate, we discovered a dusty painting in an attic. It soon became clear that this might be far more than an ordinary find. The signature suggested that the work could be by the German Expressionist Adolf Erbslöh.
Further research led us to a black-and-white photograph in the artist's catalogue raisonné. There we found the crucial clue: the painting had last been exhibited in 1931. After that, its whereabouts were unknown, and the work was considered lost.
Through extensive provenance research, we were able to reconstruct the history of the painting. Particularly valuable was a direct connection between the former owner and the family whose estate contained the work. This allowed us to establish its provenance beyond doubt.
Following the sale, the new owner kindly made the restored painting available to the Franz Marc Museum as a loan for the Erbslöh Exhibition 2026.
What began as a forgotten attic discovery ultimately became a small but significant chapter of rediscovered art history.
This story also demonstrates the importance of an experienced and trained eye when assessing estates and private collections.