Imagine discovering this kind of treasure while cleaning out the loft of a forgetful, recently deceased bank robber.
What appears to be a pile of cash is actually a meticulously crafted wooden sculpture.
All of these pieces have been skillfully carved by New York artist Randall Rosenthal from a block of Vermont white pine and enhanced with acrylic paint.
‘I create from my imagination, without using photographs or objects for reference,’ shared the 61-year-old.
‘There is a clear intention to reveal the fact that my art is wooden. Various shapes and thicknesses are subtly enhanced.’
After encountering a carved open book resembling a Bible on a church stand, Mr. Rosenthal was inspired to begin his sculpting journey.
‘The sight captivated me, leading me to carve open books. Eventually, I began painting the pages, and my passion took off,’ he recounted.
His work can be found in the Louis K Meisel and Bernarducci-Meisel galleries located in New York City.