April 25, 2025 • 10 mins
In this episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, Author Jane M. Bell explores some incredible stories of historical discoveries found in the unlikeliest of places. Bell discusses the discovery of a $100 million Caravaggio masterpiece found hidden in a French attic, and the mystery surrounding its origin and uncertain future. The episode then takes listeners to Japan, where a thousand-year-old samurai sword was found in a shrine attic, revealing valuable insights into Japan's feudal past. The podcast wraps up in Maine, where renovation at a University building unveiled a collection of centuries-old handwritten notes from teenagers, offering a touching glimpse into life in early 19th-century America. These stories underscore the idea that history is all around us, waiting to be rediscovered.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Welcome to The Bell's Books and blog podcast, The place
where history, mystery, and suspense converge. I'm your host, author
Jane M. Bell. Today we're unraveling some remarkable stories where
hidden treasures from the past have resurfaced in the most
unexpected places. We'll explore the mystery behind a one hundred
million dollar Caravago masterpiece found in a French attic, a
(00:26):
thousand year old Samurai sword discovered in a Japanese shrine,
and a collection of two hundred year old handwritten notes
unearthed in a main school. So let's look into these
fascinating historical artifacts found in unusual places. Imagine discovering that
dusty old family heirloom in your attic is actually a
priceless masterpiece worth over one hundred million dollars. That's exactly
(00:50):
what happened to a family and to lose France when
they stumbled upon a seventeenth century Caravaggio painting. The painting,
known as Judith and Holofernes, was hidden by behind old
mattresses in the attic and remained untouched for years. The
painting itself is a stunning example of Caravaggio's dramatic style,
capturing the Biblical heroine Judith in the act of beheading
(01:11):
the Assyrian general Holofernes. It's a moment of intense violence
and emotion, rendered in Caravaggio's signature Kierra scuro, which uses
stark contrasts between light and dark to create a sense
of depth and volume. Once discovered, the journey to authenticate
the painting began, a process that took five years. Local
(01:33):
auctioneer Mark lebarv and Paris based Old master's expert Eric
Turquin were instrumental in this journey. Turkuin immediately recognized the
painting's significance, declaring it one of the great Caravaggios known today.
By twenty sixteen, the former director of the Museo di Capodimonte,
Nicolas Spinosa, had formally authenticated the piece, noting its remarkably
(01:54):
preserved condition despite centuries in hiding. However, not everyone was convinced.
Some art historians suggested it could be a copy by
Louis Finsen, a known associate of Caravaggio, or even the
work of Artemisia Gentileski, another master of dramatic biblical subjects.
Regardless of these controversies, the painting is now poised for
(02:15):
auction and Toulouse, with an estimated worth between one hundred
thirteen and one hundred seventy million dollars. If it sells
within this range, it could become one of the most
expensive Old Master works ever sold. The dramatic increase in
the painting's value from the last Caravaggio auctioned in nineteen
ninety eight for just one hundred forty five thousand, five
(02:36):
hundred dollars, reflects both its rarity and the enduring fascination
with Caravaggio himself. His influence on the art world is undeniable.
Known for his emotionally charged realism, Caravaggio inspired an entire
movement of artists called the Caravagisti, who emulated his style.
He completed only sixty eight known works in his turbulent life,
(02:58):
with just five remaining in private hands. With this rediscovery,
Judith and Holofernes may now become the sixth, or at
least the most hotly debated. This incredible find in a
rural French attic serves as a powerful reminder history never
truly disappears, It only waits to be rediscovered. Now, let's
(03:20):
switch gears from Europe to Japan, where another remarkable discovery
was made. Imagine sorting through an attic expecting to find
dusty old boxes, only to come across one of the
oldest surviving samurai swords in existence. That's precisely what happened
in the Kosuga Taisha Shrine attic in Japan. The initial
discovery of this ancient weapon happened back in nineteen thirty nine.
(03:43):
At the time, it was stored among a collection of
blades kept by the historic shrine. Rust covered and lacking
a signature, this sword sat quietly, its true significance forgotten
for decades. It wasn't until a ceremonial blade sharpening event
held once every twenty years, that its true legacy came
to light. During this traditional ceremony, shrine officials undertook the
(04:06):
task of cleaning and sharpening the sword. What began as
routine maintenance turned into a historical revelation. Experts identified it
as a Hian era Kohoki sword, a type of Japanese
curved sword dating back to the twelfth century. The Hayan period,
spanning from seven ninety four to eleven eighty five, marks
a foundational era in Japanese history. Especially for Samurai culture,
(04:29):
which was only beginning to emerge. Unlike older straight bladed swords,
the kohoki boasts a distinct curve which would later be
iconic in Samurai weapons like the katana. This curvature allowed
for faster, more efficient slashing, a crucial advantage on the battlefield.
Though the blade lacks a maker's signature, specialists believe it
(04:50):
may be the work of Yasutsuna, a legendary swordsmith renowned
for specific forging patterns seen on kohoki blades. This sword
wasn't just a tool of war. It was a cherished heirloom,
likely passed down through generations of warriors, and finally offered
to the shrine between the Nanbokucho period and the Muromachi period,
a gift meant to honor the gods and perhaps protect
(05:12):
the soul of its last wielder. Out of thirteen swords
discovered in the shrine's attic, none matched the kohoki in age,
craftsmanship or historical value. After its restoration and analysis, this
remarkable blade was placed on public display at the Kasugataisha Museum.
It drew reverent crowds eager to witness this rare window
(05:33):
into Japan's feudal past. The Kohoki remained on view until
the end of March, giving history lovers, sword enthusiasts, and
modern day seekers of legend a chance to stand in
the presence of true samurai steel. This rediscovery highlights how
forgotten relics can unveil profound insights into cultural history, and
reminds us that every attic, shrine or hidden corner holds
(05:56):
the potential for incredible discoveries. Now, let's travel across the
globe to Maine, where renovations at the University of Southern
Mains Academy building unearthed something truly heartwarming, hidden notes from
the early nineteenth century. This discovery isn't about treasure or
artifacts worth millions, but personal messages, doodles, and snippets of
(06:18):
classroom rebellion that provide a window into the lives of
teenagers from centuries ago. Imagine workers peeling back aging floorboards
and cracked stairwell panels only to find a treasure trove
of handwritten notes. These weren't dry records or dusty textbooks.
These were the voices of teenagers preserved in handwritten time capsules,
(06:38):
Confessions of love to do lists, complaints about teachers, and
covert rendezvous invitations. Scribbled and cursive. One can't help but
marvel at the striking similarity between teenagers then and now.
Think of a note that reads ada, wouldn't you like
to swing after school? Or a love letter cleverly disguised
as a vocabulary exercise. There were even rebellious doodles, images
(07:02):
of teachers with exaggerated noses and poetic musings about apple
blossoms and longing glances across crowded classrooms. It's fascinating to
realize that even in eighteen o six, teens were already
perfecting the art of the secret note, much like today's
text messages or snapchats sent in the middle of class.
Following this discovery, the University of Southern Maine turned these
(07:24):
notes over to a special collections team dedicated to preserving them.
The team is carefully digitizing the papers to make them
accessible to the public. Although many of the letters are
difficult to read due to the passage of time, efforts
are underway to digitally enhance the writing and unlock even
more of the hidden past. This remarkable find does more
(07:45):
than just add a chapter to the school's history. It
invites us to eavesdrop on the laughter, heartbreak, and secret
lives of young people who walked the same spaces centuries ago.
It reminds us that history isn't just about battles and dates.
It's about whispers behind stairwells, half finished sketches, and crushes
scribbled in the margins of math notes. When we read
(08:06):
these forgotten letters, we see ourselves and realize in a
heartfelt way that we are all part of the same story.
Now it's time for one of my favorite segments, Whispers
from the Past. Each week I like to highlight thought
provoking quotes that connect to the theme of this week's blog.
This week, I've chosen the following stage words. We live
(08:28):
in a world full of hidden things waiting to be
found from the great Agatha Christie and James Fenimore Cooper
once said, history like love is so apt to surround
her heroes with an atmosphere of imaginary brightness. I think
these quotes align perfectly with the stories mentioned earlier in
this week's podcast. For this week's now it's your Turn question,
(08:50):
are there items in your home that tell a story?
Please share it with me. You can send a message
to news at Janembell dot com with your thoughts. I
enjoy reading every one of them. Your stories always add
such depth and richness to my day in our collective
exploration of history, so don't hold back. Let's continue to
uncover the extraordinary within the seemingly ordinary. As always, Thank
(09:15):
you for listening and contributing to this fun journey through
the past. Thank you for joining us today on the
Bells Books and Blog podcast. I'm your host, Jane M. Bell,
and I hope you've enjoyed this journey through these incredible
historical discoveries. From a priceless Caravaggio painting hidden in a
French attic, to an ancient Samurai sword unearthed in Japan,
(09:36):
and the heartwarming notes found in a main school. These
stories remind us of the past's untold mysteries waiting to
be revealed. Don't forget to check the show notes for
any links or articles mentioned in today's episode. If you
have any thoughts or comments, feel free to send me
a message. I love hearing from my listeners. Stay curious,
keep exploring, and remember history is all around us, often
(09:59):
closer than we think. Until next time, keep questioning, keep reading,
and of course, keep the past alive. This is The
Bell's Books and Blog podcast, Signing off,
Welcome to The Bell's Books and blog podcast, The place
where history, mystery, and suspense converge. I'm your host, author
Jane M. Bell. Today we're unraveling some remarkable stories where
hidden treasures from the past have resurfaced in the most
unexpected places. We'll explore the mystery behind a one hundred
million dollar Caravago masterpiece found in a French attic, a
(00:26):
thousand year old Samurai sword discovered in a Japanese shrine,
and a collection of two hundred year old handwritten notes
unearthed in a main school. So let's look into these
fascinating historical artifacts found in unusual places. Imagine discovering that
dusty old family heirloom in your attic is actually a
priceless masterpiece worth over one hundred million dollars. That's exactly
(00:50):
what happened to a family and to lose France when
they stumbled upon a seventeenth century Caravaggio painting. The painting,
known as Judith and Holofernes, was hidden by behind old
mattresses in the attic and remained untouched for years. The
painting itself is a stunning example of Caravaggio's dramatic style,
capturing the Biblical heroine Judith in the act of beheading
(01:11):
the Assyrian general Holofernes. It's a moment of intense violence
and emotion, rendered in Caravaggio's signature Kierra scuro, which uses
stark contrasts between light and dark to create a sense
of depth and volume. Once discovered, the journey to authenticate
the painting began, a process that took five years. Local
(01:33):
auctioneer Mark lebarv and Paris based Old master's expert Eric
Turquin were instrumental in this journey. Turkuin immediately recognized the
painting's significance, declaring it one of the great Caravaggios known today.
By twenty sixteen, the former director of the Museo di Capodimonte,
Nicolas Spinosa, had formally authenticated the piece, noting its remarkably
(01:54):
preserved condition despite centuries in hiding. However, not everyone was convinced.
Some art historians suggested it could be a copy by
Louis Finsen, a known associate of Caravaggio, or even the
work of Artemisia Gentileski, another master of dramatic biblical subjects.
Regardless of these controversies, the painting is now poised for
(02:15):
auction and Toulouse, with an estimated worth between one hundred
thirteen and one hundred seventy million dollars. If it sells
within this range, it could become one of the most
expensive Old Master works ever sold. The dramatic increase in
the painting's value from the last Caravaggio auctioned in nineteen
ninety eight for just one hundred forty five thousand, five
(02:36):
hundred dollars, reflects both its rarity and the enduring fascination
with Caravaggio himself. His influence on the art world is undeniable.
Known for his emotionally charged realism, Caravaggio inspired an entire
movement of artists called the Caravagisti, who emulated his style.
He completed only sixty eight known works in his turbulent life,
(02:58):
with just five remaining in private hands. With this rediscovery,
Judith and Holofernes may now become the sixth, or at
least the most hotly debated. This incredible find in a
rural French attic serves as a powerful reminder history never
truly disappears, It only waits to be rediscovered. Now, let's
(03:20):
switch gears from Europe to Japan, where another remarkable discovery
was made. Imagine sorting through an attic expecting to find
dusty old boxes, only to come across one of the
oldest surviving samurai swords in existence. That's precisely what happened
in the Kosuga Taisha Shrine attic in Japan. The initial
discovery of this ancient weapon happened back in nineteen thirty nine.
(03:43):
At the time, it was stored among a collection of
blades kept by the historic shrine. Rust covered and lacking
a signature, this sword sat quietly, its true significance forgotten
for decades. It wasn't until a ceremonial blade sharpening event
held once every twenty years, that its true legacy came
to light. During this traditional ceremony, shrine officials undertook the
(04:06):
task of cleaning and sharpening the sword. What began as
routine maintenance turned into a historical revelation. Experts identified it
as a Hian era Kohoki sword, a type of Japanese
curved sword dating back to the twelfth century. The Hayan period,
spanning from seven ninety four to eleven eighty five, marks
a foundational era in Japanese history. Especially for Samurai culture,
(04:29):
which was only beginning to emerge. Unlike older straight bladed swords,
the kohoki boasts a distinct curve which would later be
iconic in Samurai weapons like the katana. This curvature allowed
for faster, more efficient slashing, a crucial advantage on the battlefield.
Though the blade lacks a maker's signature, specialists believe it
(04:50):
may be the work of Yasutsuna, a legendary swordsmith renowned
for specific forging patterns seen on kohoki blades. This sword
wasn't just a tool of war. It was a cherished heirloom,
likely passed down through generations of warriors, and finally offered
to the shrine between the Nanbokucho period and the Muromachi period,
a gift meant to honor the gods and perhaps protect
(05:12):
the soul of its last wielder. Out of thirteen swords
discovered in the shrine's attic, none matched the kohoki in age,
craftsmanship or historical value. After its restoration and analysis, this
remarkable blade was placed on public display at the Kasugataisha Museum.
It drew reverent crowds eager to witness this rare window
(05:33):
into Japan's feudal past. The Kohoki remained on view until
the end of March, giving history lovers, sword enthusiasts, and
modern day seekers of legend a chance to stand in
the presence of true samurai steel. This rediscovery highlights how
forgotten relics can unveil profound insights into cultural history, and
reminds us that every attic, shrine or hidden corner holds
(05:56):
the potential for incredible discoveries. Now, let's travel across the
globe to Maine, where renovations at the University of Southern
Mains Academy building unearthed something truly heartwarming, hidden notes from
the early nineteenth century. This discovery isn't about treasure or
artifacts worth millions, but personal messages, doodles, and snippets of
(06:18):
classroom rebellion that provide a window into the lives of
teenagers from centuries ago. Imagine workers peeling back aging floorboards
and cracked stairwell panels only to find a treasure trove
of handwritten notes. These weren't dry records or dusty textbooks.
These were the voices of teenagers preserved in handwritten time capsules,
(06:38):
Confessions of love to do lists, complaints about teachers, and
covert rendezvous invitations. Scribbled and cursive. One can't help but
marvel at the striking similarity between teenagers then and now.
Think of a note that reads ada, wouldn't you like
to swing after school? Or a love letter cleverly disguised
as a vocabulary exercise. There were even rebellious doodles, images
(07:02):
of teachers with exaggerated noses and poetic musings about apple
blossoms and longing glances across crowded classrooms. It's fascinating to
realize that even in eighteen o six, teens were already
perfecting the art of the secret note, much like today's
text messages or snapchats sent in the middle of class.
Following this discovery, the University of Southern Maine turned these
(07:24):
notes over to a special collections team dedicated to preserving them.
The team is carefully digitizing the papers to make them
accessible to the public. Although many of the letters are
difficult to read due to the passage of time, efforts
are underway to digitally enhance the writing and unlock even
more of the hidden past. This remarkable find does more
(07:45):
than just add a chapter to the school's history. It
invites us to eavesdrop on the laughter, heartbreak, and secret
lives of young people who walked the same spaces centuries ago.
It reminds us that history isn't just about battles and dates.
It's about whispers behind stairwells, half finished sketches, and crushes
scribbled in the margins of math notes. When we read
(08:06):
these forgotten letters, we see ourselves and realize in a
heartfelt way that we are all part of the same story.
Now it's time for one of my favorite segments, Whispers
from the Past. Each week I like to highlight thought
provoking quotes that connect to the theme of this week's blog.
This week, I've chosen the following stage words. We live
(08:28):
in a world full of hidden things waiting to be
found from the great Agatha Christie and James Fenimore Cooper
once said, history like love is so apt to surround
her heroes with an atmosphere of imaginary brightness. I think
these quotes align perfectly with the stories mentioned earlier in
this week's podcast. For this week's now it's your Turn question,
(08:50):
are there items in your home that tell a story?
Please share it with me. You can send a message
to news at Janembell dot com with your thoughts. I
enjoy reading every one of them. Your stories always add
such depth and richness to my day in our collective
exploration of history, so don't hold back. Let's continue to
uncover the extraordinary within the seemingly ordinary. As always, Thank
(09:15):
you for listening and contributing to this fun journey through
the past. Thank you for joining us today on the
Bells Books and Blog podcast. I'm your host, Jane M. Bell,
and I hope you've enjoyed this journey through these incredible
historical discoveries. From a priceless Caravaggio painting hidden in a
French attic, to an ancient Samurai sword unearthed in Japan,
(09:36):
and the heartwarming notes found in a main school. These
stories remind us of the past's untold mysteries waiting to
be revealed. Don't forget to check the show notes for
any links or articles mentioned in today's episode. If you
have any thoughts or comments, feel free to send me
a message. I love hearing from my listeners. Stay curious,
keep exploring, and remember history is all around us, often
(09:59):
closer than we think. Until next time, keep questioning, keep reading,
and of course, keep the past alive. This is The
Bell's Books and Blog podcast, Signing off,
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