"Look Under the Sewing Machine": The Painting that Changed Everything

Karl Sabatino from the U.S. had an aunt for whom he cared until her final days.

During her lifetime, Karl made sure to maintain a good relationship with her. On her deathbed, she left him with a surprising request that would change his life completely. "My aunt asked me to look under the sewing machine and open the hidden drawer there. I didn't take it very seriously, but she insisted and asked me to promise to do it. 'This is my last request from you, so please, do it,' she told me."

Karl demonstrating how he found the valuable painting

Karl knew his aunt didn't live a life of wealth; she saved every dollar and lived quite modestly. This made him think he wouldn't find any money or valuables under the sewing machine. "After she passed away, I went to her house and checked the sewing machine anyway, to honor her request."

When he opened the drawer, a painting slipped out onto the floor, signed by a famous artist: Pablo Picasso.

Still unaware of the treasure he held, Karl recalled, "My aunt told me there was some painting there that my uncle bought for $30." He had no clue how much its value had changed over the years.

Trusting his instincts, he decided to get the painting checked by an antiques expert. To his awe, Karl discovered that he held an original piece by the renowned artist, with a potential value of $25-30 million(!).

"My aunt definitely knew," he says. "Otherwise, why would she share this with me? She could've used the money herself but chose to pass it on to me. It was her secret."