Antiques Roadshow expert floored as man refuses to sell 'most valuable painting ever'

Viewers of Antiques Roadshow were left in awe as a picture hailed as "one of the best ever"— potentially the most valuable featured on the show—captured everyone's attention. During a special episode filmed at Arley Hall in Cheshire, expert Rupert Maas was spellbound by a portrait of Leopold Lowenstam, painted by renowned artist Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema.

The remarkably preserved artwork was presented by the subject's great-great-grandson, who shared the fascinating family history behind it: "[He] and the artist were close friends and my great-great gran was governess of Alma-Tadema's children." Detailing its provenance, he added, "The portrait was a wedding present in 1883 and was exhibited at the Royal Academy." The story unfolded further with the tale of both men emigrating from Holland to London in the early 1870s and their ensuing collaboration, reports the Mirror.

Lowenstam's romantic marriage to Alice Search, who cared for Alma-Tadema's daughters, becomes part of the narrative.

Rupert Maas praised the virtuoso painter Alma-Tadema, stating, "Alma-Tadema was a Neoclassical painter. He is the most valuable Victorian artist today."

Maas didn't skimp on the details, revealing that Alma-Tadema's brush holds the record for a Victorian painting price tag—£27.4million for a stunning piece sold in New York not long ago.

Even though the unearthed piece is smaller, Maas suggested it could still fetch an eye-watering sum due to its exceptional quality.

Adding to the excitement, he suggested, "It is very, very good and shows another, more painterly side than the girls in togas on marble benches he is known for."

Wrapping up the captivating discovery, Maas concluded with high praise: "I think this might be one of the best pictures we've ever seen on the Roadshow in its history."

Audiences are on the edge of their seats wondering if it could command a price in the millions. Viewers should tune in at 8pm for the revelation.

Since the filming of the programme, the artwork has been meticulously restored and is set to be displayed in the summer of 2017 at Leighton House, located in West London.