It only makes sense in the scenario where someone paid the $1,000 price, and then could only sell it for $500 later. They just lost $500 for their efforts.
A lot of people though bought the other $500 painting, heard it was worth more but held on to it a bit longer to see what happens. Later they are told- no it’s still only worth $500. It’s only “opportunity cost” at that point.
It only makes sense in the scenario where someone paid the $1,000 price, and then could only sell it for $500 later. They just lost $500 for their efforts.
A lot of people though bought the other $500 painting, heard it was worth more but held on to it a bit longer to see what happens. Later they are told- no it’s still only worth $500. It’s only “opportunity cost” at that point.