A previously unknown painting by Vincent van Gogh, discovered at a Minnesota garage sale, is stirring intrigue as experts claim it could be worth $15 million. The oil portrait, purchased for less than $50 by an unnamed antiques collector, features a pipe-smoking fisherman repairing his net on the shoreline. The painting, created in 1889, is believed to have been completed during the same period as van Gogh's iconic "The Starry Night," which he painted at the Saint-Paul psychiatric sanitarium.
This artwork, known as "Elimar," has undergone extensive examination by teams of conservators, scientists, and historians seeking to authenticate its origins. According to ARTNews, the painting's characteristics, such as distinctive smile lines and the presence of red hairs matching van Gogh's own, have bolstered its credibility as his work. Experts traced the red pigment back to paint used during the late 19th century, reinforcing theories about its lineage.
Despite the optimistic evaluations, the painting's official recognition remains pending, contingent upon authentication by the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The New York-based LMI Group International, which acquired the painting from the collector for undisclosed terms, is working toward securing this validation. Maxwell L. Anderson, the Chief Operating Officer of LMI Group and former director at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, stated, "The analysis conducted on this distinctive painting provides fresh insight... particularly as it relates to his practice of reinterpreting works by other artists."
Anderson described "Elimar" as embodying van Gogh’s recurring themes, including redemption, often discussed in his letters and artistic expressions. This concept is particularly significant, as it may serve as a kind of self-portrait of the artist's enduring legacy.
It's worth noting, though, as articulated by art authenticator Richard Polsky, the painting still requires validation from the Van Gogh Museum before it can be considered definitively authentic. Polsky remarked, “People love it when things fall through the cracks, and it would be wonderful if they found a van Gogh — but they’ve got to pin everything down and get a scholar at the Van Gogh Museum to sign off on it.”
On January 31, the Van Gogh Museum reiterated its position, claiming it had considered the information presented by LMI Group but maintained its previous stance from 2019 – asserting doubts over the painting's authenticity. “Based on our previous opinion on the painting... we maintain our view,” the museum stated.
The painting's story has captivated collectors and art enthusiasts alike, highlighting the tense intersection of amateur discovery and professional authentication. A work misattributed or undervalued could reshape the narrative surrounding van Gogh’s catalog, which is already rich with intrigue.
Van Gogh, who produced around 900 paintings during his lifetime, spent months at the Saint-Paul sanitarium. During this time, he created some of his most famous work — over 150 canvases, including "Irises" and "Almond Blossom." The presence of specific pigments and fibers configured with precision from this period adds another layer to the legacy of "Elimar."
While the art world waits to hear the final verdict of the Van Gogh Museum, the painting continues to inspire various discussions surrounding its potential authenticity. This story serves both as a reminder of the fragility of art history and the exquisite surprises it sometimes harbors. Whatever the outcome, the saga of "Elimar" contributes another intriguing chapter to the world of art and collectibles.