One day I stumble upon a masterpiece; a work of revered and unquestionable skill.

Perhaps a drawing or a first edition or a painting or a watch. To find such a treasure, where least expected, would fulfil my desire.

A portrait of Dora Maar by Pablo Picasso, Cahill Expressway by my favourite Australian artist, Jeffrey Smart, a rare Rolex worn by Paul Newman or Steve McQueen, or a first edition of Hemingway's A Moveable Feast stalk my daydream, purchased for a pittance from a second-hand store, a thrift shop, or a not-for-profit charity harbouring my masterpiece.

Enjoying a leisurely stroll on a Saturday afternoon, I am purposefully wasting time traversing shop to shop. Bored children offer commentary regarding the chore; criticising the search for nothing of importance. Mrs W reminds me of my hopelessness with the comical paraphrase from a classic: "you're dreamin'". The local second-hand bookstore offers a common cause; searching for our favourite authors.

We say a quick hello to the shopkeeper, who is hidden from view by 200 paperbacks on the go. Countless books stacked on pine shelves bowed by the inability to say no grasps my attention. Fastidiously thumbing through piles of dusty novels with a familiar smell that has not been shifted nor seen the light of day in years, I find my masterpiece on the floor. I take a third and then fourth look for verification. Approaching the counter, I am reminded that electronic funds transfer is no more likely than this rare find. The second-hand bookstore is strictly cash only and will stay that way for, at least, another decade.

Fast-walking to the ATM, while trying to remain cool and collected, the family keep guard faux browsing. I experience a wave of anxiety prompted by thoughts of the shopkeeper sensing my over-excitement to purchase after finally realising they've failed to recognise an international treasure.

Yeah right...

Believe me, it does happen.

A masterpiece was found in the house of a French lady in her 90s from the commune of Compiègne in France, between the kitchen and dining room. A small image titled Christ Mocked, just 26 centimetres by 20 centimetres from the Italian painter Cimabue sold, at auction, for (e)24,000,000 (A$39,000,000) on October 27, 2019.

For many years, it hung above a hot plate in an open-plan area and was covered in kitchen grease when discovered by an auctioneer considering the contents of the elderly lady's house, which was sold in June. The oil-on-wood was not considered by the family of any importance or value, just sentimental, and thought to be of Russian origin. Can you imagine!

WANT MORE OPINION: Check out our website

Compiègne is a historic French commune north of Paris. Joan of Arc was captured during the siege of Compiègne on May 23, 1430, by the Burgundians. Napoleon Bonaparte restored the local palace in the early 1800s after Château de Compiègne was rebuilt for Louis XV during the 18th century.

Cimabue, born circa 1240 in Florence, is considered an early Renaissance master. He often painted pictures and scenes of Christ and the Bible and is famous for expanding on the traditional movement of the time, Byzantine art.

Finding Christ Mocked is a miracle. Its importance and sale price sit comfortably with more well-known artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Amedeo Modigliani, Rembrandt, and Raphael. I have heard of John Glover drawings turning up at the op shop in Launceston and expensive watches sold for a few dollars at country markets but a 13th-century masterpiece hanging above the fish and chip fryer at Riverside; that would be a stretch.

Daydreaming is a break from the daily grind. In between tasks, your mind is still functioning but taking a moment. Thoughts wander and, returning to focus, abruptly jolts with a surprised reaction to noise; a sound, a voice, or the uttering of your name. Modern brain research informs us that daydreaming is also known as the default mode network.

I find moments of daydreaming optimistic; more focused on the future than the past. My masterpiece is out there and enjoyment and satisfaction are found in maintaining hope.