Somewhere in the world, a precious relic of art history rests inside a secured vault. It’s small—a bronze statue, less than a foot tall—but it’s nearly priceless. Valued at $100 million, the piece called Horse and Rider is thought to have been created by the hands of the Renaissance master Leonardo Di Vinci in 1508. Surprisingly, the vault isn’t in Milan, or Rome, or Paris, or even in New York. It’s right here in Las Vegas.
Rod Maly, owner of Art Encounter, has spent decades collecting and authenticating works of art with his knowledgeable staff, but it wasn’t until late 2024 that he was lucky enough to represent the sale of something this exceptional.
“About 85 percent of what we evaluate doesn't have a high worth,” he explains. Rod became interested in art while living in Dallas in the 1980s. He and his wife, looking to decorate their new home, would frequently visit a gallery dedicated to up-and-coming artists called Art Encounter. They liked the gallery so much that in 1992 he partnered with that business to open a second location in Las Vegas.
Step into Art Encounter on Arville Street today, and you will be treated to a wide range of fine art from modern masters such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell, Peter Max, Salvadore Dali, and more. “These are not only beautiful, important pieces, but I call it ‘Art 101’ because everyone knows who the artists are.”
The array of mediums—from paintings and sculptures, to sketches and posters—also lends itself to a wide range of prices, fit for all wallets. “We’ve got things all the way from very affordable up to originals in the millions.”
But, when Horse and Rider came along, a new day dawned at Art Encounter. Years ago, a man named Richard Lewis came into Rod’s store boldly declaring he had a Leonardo Di Vinci. “Of course,” Rod says, “we had our doubts.” That is, until he was able to prove the theory through forensic studies and the authentication of art historians. Even the pollen in the beeswax was studied to validate its origin. Rod himself went to Milan to meet with art historians, and to London to see the original beeswax from which the sculpture he’s now selling was cast.
So, I guess you never know the value of your art until you find out. As Rod sums it up, “The best thing to do is come in for a consultation.”
How should you preserve or care for art you believe is valuable? “Well, the most important thing to do,” says Rod “is keep it out of sunlight!” The second most important thing: Bring it to a professional for evaluation. He’s seen way too many cases of ruined, re-framed, re-stretched or manipulated works that undermine the inherent value. In order to prevent that from occurring, Art Encounter offers an affordable $75 consultation to evaluate any work you think might have value. His appraiser can determine the age of the piece, and if necessary, seek the consultation of universities and experts all over the world to prove the origins of art.