Michigan collector paid $30 for painting; it later sold for record $1.35 million

In a stunning turn of events, Gertrude Abercrombie's painting, Alderman Merriam's Shells, was auctioned for $1,352,600 after being found at an estate sale for just $30. Having been lost for 75 years, the piece drew significant attention at Freeman's auction house, far exceeding expectations. A dedicated collector meticulously verified its authenticity, marking a remarkable resurgence for Abercrombie in the contemporary art scene.