20th-Century Frank Zappa Painting

Appraised on: August 8, 1998

Appraised in: Rochester, New York

Appraised by: Gary Sohmers

Category: Collectibles

Episode Info: Roadshow Favorites (#813)

Originally Aired: April 26, 2004

IMAGE: 1 of 2  

Appraisal Video: (2:02)

GUEST: I got it from Frank Zappa and his family. They were moving and they were going to just get rid of it, and I said, "May I have it?"

APPRAISER: It's a beautiful piece of strange art. And you said when we talked earlier that you had double-dated with Frank.

GUEST: A few.

APPRAISER: A few dates?

GUEST: Yes, yes.

APPRAISER: So you got to know him a little bit.

GUEST: Yes, I did.

APPRAISER: Frank Zappa is a cultural icon as a musician and as an artist. What you've brought us is a fabulous piece. When did you say this was...?

GUEST: He painted this when he was in junior college.

APPRAISER: So it's very early. It's a premonition of his future.

GUEST: Right.

APPRAISER: It shows an orchestra and an opera, it looks like, on stage.

GUEST: Right.

APPRAISER: Early images for Frank who went on to become an orchestra leader and write operas. And this is probably the earliest piece of Frank Zappa art or music or anything I've ever seen--

GUEST: Is it?

APPRAISER: --in 30 years of doing this. It's a very unusual and wonderful piece. Something a musician did in the art world adds to its value. And it's really hard to put a true value because it's never been seen before. Any idea what you think it might be worth?

GUEST: I have no idea.

APPRAISER: No idea?

GUEST: No.

APPRAISER: Well, I would say that his signature is very valuable right now. Frank died many years ago of cancer and left a legacy of art and music for us, but this is the earliest piece I've ever seen. I would say it's somewhere in the $15,000-to-$25,000 range.

GUEST: Wow! (laughter)

APPRAISER: Having never seen a piece like this sell, it could even top that.

GUEST: Oh, I think that's great. He was such a different person and this represents him. One of the most intelligent people I've ever met.

APPRAISER: Oh, brilliant!

GUEST: It's a wonderful piece, and I love it. Thank you.

APPRAISER: Thank you for bringing it to the ROADSHOW.

GUEST: You're welcome. It's been fun.