Our Family Time With God

Sept. 30,2009

VALUABLE TREASURE FOUND

IN AN UNLIKELY PLACE

In 1988, during a clearance sale of unclaimed property, a man bought a painting for $1,000. Though the painting was in poor condition, he thought it might be worth as much as $1,500. Securing the painting to the roof of his van, he drove it to Christie's Auction House in New York City, where collectibles are sold. He told an attendant there that he would accept as little as $1,500 for his find.

When the resident expert saw the painting, he realized with surprise that it was a fabulous work by Dosso Dossi, one of the better Italian Renaissance painters. Called Allegory of Fortune and commissioned and painted around 1530, the painting had disappeared during the 19th century. But now it was found.

The painting went to auction on January 11, 1989. Though sellers expected to sell the painting for $600,000 to $800,000, a London dealer bought it for $4 million! Later, the Paul Getty Museum purchased the painting, though it was in need of repair. One leg of the male figure had been punctured in several places, and the painting was so damaged and dirty that many of its details were lost.

The paintings restoration was a three-year project, including an extensive study. The restorer said, "It was a slow, tedious process--really mind-boggling." But her work paid off. The original, warm gray background that emerged lends to the picture a haunting, atmospheric tone.

She repaired holes, filled in cracks, restored losses of paint, and gave the painting a coat of varnish. The result is dramatic, but museum visitors see only the impact of the finished work.

God's work is a "salvage business." Through grace, He saves, sets apart, and uses saved sinners to rescue those who are perishing. Our witness can result in the salvation of those who are perishing. Our witness can result in the salvation of those who will bring many to Christ.

THOUGHT: Everyone will spend eternity either in heaven or in hell. What could be more valuable than an eternal soul?

--Harold Vaughan--