Scottish council's $6 purchase turns into a $3 million treasure

A Scottish town council purchased a bust of landowner and lawmaker John Gordon in the 18th century for just £5 ($6). Today, this sculpture created by renowned French artist Edmé Bouchardon is expected to fetch over £2.5 million ($3 million) at auction.

Now, Invergordon Town Council is considering selling the item, which Sothebys describes as "brilliantly executed," as stated in a council report.

According to the report, a private individual has already approached Sothebys with an offer to buy the sculpture. Sothebys experts believe that it has now reached its maximum value.

The future of the bust will be determined by council members on Monday, according to a statement. The funds obtained from its sale could be utilized to revitalize the Invergordon Common Good Fund, benefiting the community. However, prior to the sale, there will be a comprehensive consultation with the community. A Roman bust, acquired for $34.99 from a Goodwill store in Texas, is being returned to Germany.

The bust, which was first displayed in the town hall, was initially valued not for the talent of its sculptor, but for its portrayal of Gordon. Gordon was believed to be the founder of Invergordon, a small coastal town located around 300 kilometers (180 miles) north of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.

Bouchardon, who was a resident in Rome at the time, sculpted the bust in 1728. This particular style of sculpture did not gain widespread popularity until many years later. It is worth noting that Gordon was on his Grand Tour during this period. The Grand Tour was a European tour undertaken by young, aristocratic, and mainly English men in the 18th and 19th centuries. This tour served as a rite of passage.

In addition to his various achievements, Bouchardon served as a sculptor to Louis XV. One of his remarkable works was a towering 17-foot sculpture of the French king, which once graced the Place de la Concorde in Paris. Unfortunately, this magnificent sculpture was destroyed during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution.

Although the bust was created by a renowned artist, there is limited information accessible to the public concerning its whereabouts since its acquisition by the council.

Maxine Smith, a local councilor, discovered the sculpture on an industrial estate back in 1998. She recounted her discovery to The Scotsman in 2016, revealing that she unexpectedly came across the bust 25 years ago while searching for old robes. Smith recalled obtaining the key from the council and finding the robes, accompanied by the bust, which was serving as a prop to keep a door open.

The insurance team discovered that the bust held significant value, estimated to be around £200,000 at the time. Following its rediscovery and identification, the bust was exhibited at both the Louvre Museum in Paris and the Getty Center in Los Angeles, according to the council.

Back in Scotland, however, it remains under secure storage in Inverness Museum & Art Gallery due to the security risks of displaying it.