A still life painting of flowers with a bird's nest by 17th Century artist Rachel Ruysch fetched 2 900 000 FF (US $ 508,500) in an auction sale at Deauville, Normandy, on January 31st 1999. 
The oil on canvas painting,
measuring 44 x 39cm, had been found behind the door
of a country house by the auctioneer
whereas its owners had no idea of its value.
The painting only carried an estimate
of US $ 100,000 before the sale.
Finally, art treasures can still be discovered
in the homes of thousands of French people
provided they don't make the mistake
of parting with these for almost nothing.
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