Before he enters the expert room of “Bares für Rares”, Mauro Felice Müller expresses a pious wish: The 44-year-old industrial mechanic from Erkrath would be happy if his painting came to a lover.

However, the undertaking will turn out to be complicated as the show progresses. Colmar Schulte-Goltz is very complimentary about the work of art. The expert explains that it is a small-format cabinet painting, which is also a panel painting: the painter applied oil to a wooden panel. In this case it is mahogany wood.

The picture dates from 1861, and Schulte-Goltz identifies the artist as the Belgian-born painter Léon Marie Constant Dansaert. He painted scenes that took place 100 years before his own life, i.e. from the 18th century. “A very unusual thing, but typical of the 19th century,” sums up the expert.

Up to this point the conversation has gone without any major surprises. But then presenter Horst Lichter asks the seller what his desired price is. Citing an expert report, Müller mentions 10,000 euros. “Old Swede!” Lichter exclaims in astonishment. “It’s a good thing I’m standing on the corner and holding on.”

Colmar Schulte-Goltz also seems a bit surprised. He asks about the report in question. This is from 1982, explains Mauro Felice Müller, and he estimated the value of the painting at 5,000 DM. Taking inflation into account, the seller arrived at a five-figure euro sum.

But the expert is quick to point this out: the romantic wave reached its peak in 1982. At that time, many old things were highly valued in Germany. But the market situation has changed, the current value is only 1,500 to 2,000 euros.

Müller has to swallow for a moment, but he is ready to lower his high expectations. He would also sell his picture for 1500 euros. But he first has to get this amount in the dealer room.

The auction gets off to a slow start: Fabian Kahl starts with 300 euros, Sarah Schreiber increases directly to 400 euros, but then it only continues in small steps. At 700 euros, Schreiber asks the seller about his expertise. When Müller made it clear that he was not prepared to sell for less than 1,500 euros, the auction ended unsuccessfully.

“It will be taken home again and will find its old place,” says the seller afterwards, somewhat resignedly.

Watch the video: “Cash for Rares”: Exciting and curious facts about the junk show on ZDF.

also read