Family fear being 'haunted' after making 'creepy' discovery in their attic

A family got the shock of their lives after discovering an old artwork abandoned in their attic by the home's previous owner. They explained how they moved into the property 15 years ago and have left the painting alone in fear that the woman in the image would "haunt" them.

But now, they're curious about the history of the painting, wondering whether it's worth anything. Taking to Reddit, the homeowner said: "The previous owners left this in the attic. They moved in around 2007 and moved out in 2009. The owner before that was the original owner from 1946. We don’t know if it was there prior to 2007. We basically have left it alone for 15 years –except to turn it around to look at the back – figuring there is a chance her spirit would haunt us.

"There’s nothing on the back or front that indicates an artist. Obviously in pretty bad shape but wondering how old it may be or who it could possibly be."

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Sharing a possible clue, the family went on to explain how the previous homeowner was into the New York art scene - describing his taste as "eclectic".

Commenting on the post, one user said: "If you do go the route of restoration, don’t count the frame out.

"Sometimes it’s worth it and I’m blown away at the skills of some of these art restoration professionals. I like the painting and frame a lot. Cool house gift."

Another user added: "It looks around 18th or more likely 19th century, going by the art style and the clothes (assuming it's an original and not just a newer painting stylised to look that way).

"Black clothes back then often indicated she was in mourning, or maybe was important. Such a shame about the damage."

A third user said: "Looks like a genuine mid-1800s oil portrait of a middle-class European woman. It was probably painted by a regional studio painter.

"The frame is Rococo Revival and way fancier than the painting itself, so the two were likely put together later.

"The craquelure, old nails, and the water-stained canvas on the back all check out as legit aging, this thing has clearly lived in an attic for decades."

They added: "It’s not a famous artist or a valuable piece, but it’s a real 19th century portrait that could be restored if someone loves it.

"As-is, it’s mostly a spooky attic treasure with history, not money. But I hate to see art lost to time.

"It will cost more to restore it (about £2,500-£4,000) than it is monetarily worth but the historical worth should never be discounted.

A final person added: "Art conservator ASAP, the deterioration on this piece is going to follow an exponential increase between handling and shifting around.

"I’m a paper conservator, so not paintings on canvas, but you need to get it checked out soon."