Queens garbage collector finds 19th-century MacBeth oil painting in removal job

Let me paint you a picture.

Years ago, on a simple residential cleanout job, I discovered this beautiful oil painting, created and signed by the artist Wallace D. MacBeth.

After doing some basic Internet research, I learned that the only sites that offer any information about MacBeth were those that exhibited some of the paintings for sale. Today, the value of MacBeth’s paintings range from $50 to more than $3,500, according to various auction Web sites. These prices are quite high, especially considering how little information there is about the artist.

But I didn’t immediately realize I had such a rare collectible. After the residential cleanout job, the DiMola Bros crew and I brought back the painting to my warehouse in Queens. It sat there for five years before I remembered it was there.

With the demise of the economy — and therefore gradual decrease in business for my company — I had some extra time on my hands and decided to tidy up the warehouse. That’s when I discovered the painting, in good condition, leaning against a shelf. It displays 19th century royalty, complete with curly, white wigs for the men, and massive dresses and fancy up-dos for the women.

Even during a time when business is slow, it’s hard to lose hope when antiques like this painting come my way. DiMola Bros will stand strong, as long as my passion for rubbish removal — and antique collecting — does, too.

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