500-year-old Albrecht Dürer engraving auctioned from rubbish tip

A remarkable discovery was made by Mat Winter, a 24-year-old from Cranbrook, Kent, who found a 500-year-old engraving titled 'Knight, Death and the Devil' at a rubbish dump as a child. Initially drawn to its intricate details, he did not realize its true value until he consulted a specialist years later. The engraving, signed and dated '1513. AD', showcases exceptional quality, prompting the auctioneers' director, Jim Spencer, to express his astonishment upon first viewing it. Spencer, who has experience in auctioning salvaged items, compared the engraving to pieces in the British Museum to authenticate it. He noted that the previous owner likely lacked appreciation for the artwork, leading to its disposal. This incident highlights the potential for valuable items to be overlooked and discarded, as evidenced by Spencer's past experience with a Harry Potter book that sold for £30,000 despite being in poor condition. The upcoming auction is expected to attract significant interest, with estimates suggesting the engraving could fetch thousands of pounds. There is also a possibility that a museum may bid for the piece, further emphasizing its cultural significance. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and preserving art, as well as the potential for hidden treasures in unexpected places. Mat Winter's keen eye and instinct to rescue the engraving from the rubbish tip not only saved a piece of history but also opened the door for its appreciation by a wider audience. This event underscores the value of art and the stories behind them, encouraging others to look more closely at what may seem like discarded items.