To sell an expensive painting abusive ex gave me?

[BeeBeeBuzz]

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?

How do you know it's a print?

Surely the OP can tell the difference.

Did you fall in love with the picture when he presented it to you, or did he know you already loved it from something you said, then he bought it for you?

If he bought it for you because he knew you loved it, can you just treat it as something that his money was spent on, as YOU were actually the one that ‘picked’ it, iykwim? I would feel differently about it if he had went out and bought it, without you ever having commented on it or knowing of it’s previous existence.

I have a beautiful ornament that I was going to buy, but my sister insisted on buying it for me. She has done some truly wicked stuff since and we’re now NC. I used to look at it and debate getting rid of it, then reasoned that it wasn’t something she picked for me, but rather something that I picked, that she happened to pay for. I don’t know if that’s any help, or even makes sense.

It’s an absolutely beautiful picture, btw.

It is beautiful. But if you think of your abusive ex when you look at it, it might be best to get the painting out of your home.

There are lots of beautiful paintings in the world. Get rid of this one, eBay or ask the gallery to buy it back. Then treat yourself to a painting with no unpleasant associations.

If it's a print, I'd charity shop it.

I can tell it’s a print because they specify that it’s produced in an edition of 50. Paintings are not editioned, they are unique. The seller uses deliberately opaque language to describe - digitally stripping? I am a fine art valuer and know the business, this is not an original work of art

The language is weirdly obfuscating!

That said £2k would have been remarkably good value for an original painting from a gallery! My MIL & BIL are professional artists.

I had no idea that Castle was a chain - they're in my city and I was always slightly wtf at the work they carry.

Your picture is lovely OP. I would be inclined to get rid, though. Ask the gallery if they might buy it back for half?

The seller uses deliberately opaque language to describe - digitally stripping?

This is part of the extra

augmented reality app Blippar to expose the true heartbreak of World War One.

By digitally stripping away the countless layers of paint, viewers are able to reveal the creative journey beneath and see the Great War re-imagined.

To unlock the multiple layers in Scarlett’s work, download the Blippar app through the iOS app store or the Google Play store for Android and simply scan any piece online to get started.

Limited edition prints do sell for plenty though, they have their own value especially the lower numbers

.

Knitpicker is correct.
OP I don’t think you should build up your hopes of getting much money for this.

knit

Maybe OP has the original? I have a Paul Horton original from when I first started collecting and those high street galleries (like the McDonalds of the art world) were where I felt comfortable buying. I have the original, though you could buy ltd ed giclees of it (not any more, it has long sold out).

According to that link, print or not, it's limited edition and out of stock.
So someone might pay 2k for it.
Not me - I'm annoyed you have a starry sky but ocean and flowers not in shadow, don't understand the WW1 analogy and think it's overpriced. But I'd still sell it and start anew OP.

I can't bear to look at it, even without the violent ex.

Get rid, if you think someone will buy it. Otherwise, charity shop.

Perhaps OP has the original?

But yes, absolutely get rid of the picture if the association upsets you, OP.

It's worth asking Castle if they will take it back to resell. Its probably the most hassle free way to rid yourself of it, alternatively, you might get a decent part exchange on a new piece you love.

Blimey fifty prints at two grand each meaning the revenue generated was a 100k and that's not even the original being sold.

If it's out of stock then no reason it wouldn't sell for the same price or more.

You know, it is very possible that OP owns the original that the prints were made from...
OP, think of it as something you love that your ex happened to pay for. If you still can't bear to look at it then by all means, sell it. A year is not such a long time though and I wouldn't want you to regret it in the long term.

Maybe leave it a bit longer. After another year or so maybe the association with your ex won't be so strong anymore.
Otherwise sell it (if you can get anything for it) and buy yourself something else instead.

OP Just checking but you aren't trying to sell it on Mumsnet are you 😂😂

It's a nice looking print but i can't get over £2K for a print - it just seems crazy.

That was quite a fancy gift? Did he buy you other pricey things too?

Yes red he was very generous - I'm now much wiser to the grooming process, it was a steep & painful learning curve. My thoughts aren't 'how much ££ will I get?' - rather do I really want to bin it? I'm in the process of decluttering.

Get rid. I sold a very valuable rug my abusive ex gave me. I made a good price with bonhams and used the money for something much more fun.

Sell it and find something else you'll love

Do they really have that high resale value.
DH uncle is a successful watercolour artist ,(commissions from royal family etc) and his originals arent any more than that . Very similar style as well. The galleriea xantakes 40 % commission as well

Get rid.
Buy something else that you like