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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To sell an expensive painting abusive ex gave me?

91 replies

BeeBeeBuzz · 18/06/2019 21:46

When we were still together my now ex bought me a beautiful painting from a gallery. I fell in love with the starry sky. It remained boxed in it's gallery wrappings whilst I was decorating. Since then though he became violent & I had to get a restraining order. I kept the picture for a year trying to decide if I could bear to look at it now we've separated but I've decided no. The thing is it's a very individual piece, I'm not sure anyone would buy it, though I could really do with the money right now. Aibu to sell it or should I leave it a bit longer & see if I change my mind?

To sell an expensive painting abusive ex gave me?
OP posts:
Marlena1 · 18/06/2019 21:49

If you think there is a chance yoy would regret it as you like it, keep it. Otherwise sell and enjoy the silver liningSmile Well done for breaking free!

Leeds2 · 18/06/2019 21:49

I don't think YWBU to sell it. It will always remind you of him.

bridgetreilly · 18/06/2019 21:50

I would definitely sell it. You'll never be able to look at it without remembering him. And then in the future you can buy your own amazing art with no thought of him at all.

NameChangedNoImagination · 18/06/2019 21:50

It's gorgeous. Someone will buy it.

BillywilliamV · 18/06/2019 21:51

It’s beautiful, I would keep it, you’ll feel better about things some day.

BrightYellowDaffodil · 18/06/2019 21:52

If you're certain that you can't separate how you feel about the painting from how you feel about your ex then yes, I'd absolutely sell it.

You say it's in wrappings from a gallery - could you contact them and see if they'd be able to sell it on your behalf? Or, if not, if they can point you in the direction of the best place/way to sell it?

babbi · 18/06/2019 21:52

It’s beautiful....
ywnbu to sell it though if you wish ..

MayFayner · 18/06/2019 21:53

Keep it and use it to remember that he can’t spoil your enjoyment of your life.

VladmirsPoutine · 18/06/2019 21:53

If I were you I'd be thanking my lucky stars that its still in gallery wrapping! Get it sold and whatever else you do with the cash be sure to also buy yourself a bottle of champagne to toast your life without that abusive scumbag Wine

TeaForTheWin · 18/06/2019 21:54

It's beautiful, it deserves to be with someone who will enjoy it. And you deserve to be free of things that bring you bad memories. Sell it :)

sweetkitty · 18/06/2019 21:55

Definitely sell it and buy another more beautiful painting that will make you smile now your free of him.

cookingonwine · 18/06/2019 21:56

Depends on why you want to sell it?

BrightYellowDaffodil · 18/06/2019 21:56

Also, it might be worth finding out how much it's worth before you make a final decision to sell. It could be that the artist is now in high demand and it's worth ten times what your ex bought it for. Or it might have next to no resale value. If it's the latter, I'd shove it in the attic and see how I felt about it in a few years time.

Original poster
BeeBeeBuzz · 18/06/2019 21:58

Blimey, I didn't expect so many replies! It is beautiful but it was going to be focal point in the room.. sigh..

OP posts:
FenellaVelour · 18/06/2019 21:59

It’s beautiful. Who’s the artist?

I think if it always going to remind you of him, you’ll never enjoy it in the way you wanted. It’s a shame, but I’d sell it to let someone else enjoy it, without the bad memories.

Whosorrynow · 18/06/2019 22:01

I feel it is bad for your soul to be host to a gift from someone who has deliberately harmed you

itsbetterwithoutyou · 18/06/2019 22:03

The artist is Scarlett Raven

www.castlefineart.com/art/of-languid-seemed-his-mood

skybluee · 18/06/2019 22:03

It is beautiful but you should get your own of something symbolic that means a lot to you like a bulb opening or something emerging like spring to mean your new life after your abusive partner xx

itsbetterwithoutyou · 18/06/2019 22:05

BTW I love it.

Megs4x3 · 18/06/2019 22:06

I’d sell it and buy something else with the money. Perhaps an experience that will give you a lovely memory instead. Ask a gallery to help you out. I couldn’t wait to get rid of everything associated with my ex - it’s perfectly understand and reasonable that you wouldn’t want this memory.

altiara · 18/06/2019 22:10

If you can’t bear to look at it, then definitely sell it. I’m sure someone would buy it, it’s lovely.

Anarchyshake · 18/06/2019 22:10

We've got a Castle gallery nearby, they stock some of the most stunning art.

Would they be likely to buy it back for half the cost?

CookieDeal · 18/06/2019 22:13

I would sell it. It is beautiful but I think you would be right to do it, especially as you've given it a year and still don't like the idea of it being in the room. I don't think you will have trouble finding someone to buy it - it really is lovely.

knitpicker · 18/06/2019 22:16

It’s not a painting for starters - it’s a print, edition of 50. Shocking price for a digital print, if it’s any consolation your ex was monumentally ripped off

bananasaidso · 18/06/2019 22:26

I wish I had the money to buy it. It's beautiful. May be keep it stored for a while. The painting is not your ex, the painting is a symbol of breaking feee.