My favorite of favorite TV shows is, hands down, Antiques Roadshow. I love watching to see if someone’s treasure is actually worth something, or if it only has personal value. I have fun guessing out loud what the item could be worth and when I guess it right, my family swears I’ve seen that particular episode before. OK, I’ve probably watched too many episodes when I can guess exactly how much something is worth, but really they’re just guesses. And usually the appraisers kind of give it away. Well, it’s one thing when Great Aunt Gert’s antique turns out to be valuable, it’s not like they’re going to sell it anyway. BUT being the junker that I am, I’m a lot more excited when that $2-$10 garage/estate sale item turns out to be worth thousands or even better, tens of thousands of dollars. That’s why last week when I helped our church sort donations for a rummage sale, and noticed the painting of a clown set amongst other priceless treasures, I decided I needed it. I first of all couldn’t believe another sorter of said treasures didn’t choose to take it home themselves instead of putting it with other like treasures, or better yet, someone else gave it away!!! 
I’m sorry to admit that I know nothing about paintings. The only thing I knew is that this was an original work of art. The paint is a bit crackled, but if I put $1,000 into it for restoration, that could increase the value upwards of another $10,000. I couldn’t read the signature.
Can You?
Then, when I turned it over, thankfully there was a plate, and that I could read, sort of!
It says the painter’s name is Braun, I think, it’s a bit worn. He was born in Italy, 1934. I tried to find out something about him online, but found nothing. I would assume he is still living. Perhaps when I have more time, and drive, I will try again to find out more about this artist.
For now, I’m content with the idea that this is as close as I will come to owning a Rembrandt, Van Gogh, or any other valuable painting. That’s OK with me. He’s a cute little clown. The true value is really what it means to the owner, right?
Until next time,
Susan
Quilting my way through life! 
Nice painting…and a GREAT find!!!
Susan, Enjoyed your blog! Miss you! Your patterns are very nice. Like that apron esp.
I have two paintings by braun simular to yours same description on back two clowns
looks like yours but all three are different. won them at an auction!
I don’t know much about them as well. : )
Jennie
I have a very colorful clown painting, apparently painted with a palette knife, signed Braun. On the back, there is a handwritten note in ink that says “Naples, Italy, Belle Arts Academy, Florence, Italy, 1947”. I haven’t been able to find out anything more about him. Would love to know more!
Rhonda
Something interesting. I have a framed clown painting. I’m no expert on art.
Mine has the same note attached to the back of the painting as yours Susan.
The picture has the exact same “slit” for the eyes. It is in the same style frame as yours….the use of slanted wood strips securing the wood corners. Must be the original frame. On the front hidden in a certain obscure place is definitively a number. I see no signature., but, the work has the “Braun” identification label on the wood frame on the back. On the back canvas is one letter which appears to be a “B”. Like the other comm enters, I can’t find much more that you or them. Worth something, I don’t know, but, interesting.
My nick name is jumbo
Name…Greg
I have a very similar painting. Was wondering what it’s worth
This clown painting by Braun is more likely tourist art that you can by on the streets of Florence, Italy. These paintings are mass produced and have little value, anybody can print a label post it on the back of the painting. I try to find information on this artist and even check the art school in Florence, Italy! No luck. The painting is nice though so enjoy it.