There’s a $350k Painting in “Stuart Little” That Was in Plain Sight But No One Even Noticed It

Robin Williams’ character “Mrs. Doubtfire” described Stuart Little as the greatest character in all of literature.

Well, in 1999, moviegoers were blessed with a live-action version appropriately titled “Stuart Little.”

The film starred Hugh Laurie, Geena Davis and Michael J. Fox, but most people never realized that hanging in the background was a $350k painting until someone pointed it out many years later.

Miracles Happen All the Time

They say miracles do happen, but how often does anyone get to witness one in their lifetime? Maybe once or twice if they’re lucky? Well, as it turns out, miracles can happen. But if we’re not paying attention, we can miss them. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case for one father.

Art Historian Noticed Something Was Amiss

Gergely Barki, a researcher and art historian working at the Hungarian National Gallery in Budapest, was used to seeing expensive works of arts hanging on the walls of art galleries. But he never expected to find a $350k painting in a children’s movie.

He Was Looking Forward to Spending Time With His Daughter

It was 2009 and the night before Christmas. Barki had been looking forward to this moment all day long. As an art historian, he often found it difficult to make time for his family. This was particularly tough on his relationship with his daughter, Lola.

But now he had the chance to make it up to her.

“Stuart Little” Was a Classic

He sat down in the living room next to his daughter to watch the live-action 1999 film “Stuart Little.” And sure, it was a decade old at the time, but some classic movies are like wine and only get better with age.

But he had no idea his life was about to change because of the movie he chose to watch with his daughter.