Finding hidden treasure in an attic that's potentially worth millions of dollars sounds like a story out of a movie that some can only dream of happening.
A 400-year-old painting called "Still Life" from the Dutch Golden Age was found in a storeroom in Australia, and is believed to be worth millions, according to CNN.
The painting had been in the storeroom which is now the museum Woodford Academy in the Blue Mountains, in New South Wales (NSW), and was discovered along with 60,000 other pieces of art after they were gifted to National Trust of Australia (NSW).
The artwork itself shows "a table setting of white tablecloth laid with food consisting of a mince pie, nuts and a bread roll, and a silver goblet and glassware."
Researchers say that the painting was done by Gerrit Willemsz. Heda, who is the son of Willem Claesz. Heda, one of the top artists from the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century.
Julian Bickersteth, project coordinator and CEO of International Conservation Services, expressed how special the finding is in a press release on Sunday, per CNN.
"It is a rare and hugely exciting moment," Bickersteth said.
Gerrit Willemsz. Heda's signature and his father's are very similar, according to the press release. Some of his paintings had been attributed to his father until 1945, and researchers are currently investigating the suggestion that this could be a father-son collaboration.
"To find an authentic 17th century painting in my storeroom at the National Trust was beyond exciting -- it left me breathless," National Trust collections manager Rebecca Pinchin said in the press release.
"To find the signature of the artist felt like a one in a million chance. This is a remarkable story of discovery, which has taken us on a journey across a number of years, piecing together and validating the work through expert advice and technology."
So, how much could the painting be worth?
A spokeswoman said that Willem Claesz. Heda's paintings usually are valued between $4 and $5 million Australian dollars -- so that would be roughly $2.9 to $3.7 million USD.
"Still Life" is still being checked and reviewed to determine how much it could be worth.
To check out the painting in real life, people can go to the 2022 Australian Heritage Festival at Woodford Academy, Blue Mountains, on May 14.
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