The discovery of a valuable painting in an unexpected setting is a rare occurrence, but when an antiques collector purchased an oil painting for less than $50 at a garage sale in 2016, they unknowingly acquired what is now believed to be an authentic work by the legendary Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh.
According to an exhaustive four-year analysis conducted by the New York-based art-research firm LMI Group, the painting, titled "Elimar," could be worth $15 million.
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A Hidden Masterpiece
The artwork, painted on a 16-inch by 18-inch canvas, depicts a fisherman with a white beard smoking a pipe while repairing his net on an empty beach. This composition bears striking similarities to a painting by Danish artist Michael Ancher, suggesting that Van Gogh may have used Ancher’s work as inspiration, a practice he occasionally engaged in to reinterpret and translate artistic styles.
Experts have traced the painting’s origins to the period between May 1889 and May 1890, when Van Gogh resided in the Saint-Paul asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France. This phase of his life was marked by both personal turmoil and creative resurgence, during which he revisited themes and imagery from his early years.
The Rigorous Authentication Process
LMI Group's extensive investigation involved a multidisciplinary team of historians, scientists, and curators who examined various aspects of the painting. Brushstroke analysis revealed techniques characteristic of Van Gogh’s style, while pigment and fiber studies confirmed the materials' consistency with those used during the artist’s lifetime.
Additionally, a hair embedded in the canvas was subjected to DNA testing, but due to its degraded condition, researchers were unable to conclusively link it to Van Gogh’s descendants. Despite this limitation, the overwhelming body of evidence supports the authenticity of "Elimar."
A Significant Discovery in Art History
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Lawrence M. Shindell, chairman, president, and CEO of LMI Group, emphasized the significance of integrating scientific and technological methodologies with traditional art authentication techniques. "By integrating science and technology with traditional tools of connoisseurship, historical context, formal analysis, and provenance research, we aim both to expand and tailor the resources available for art authentication based on the unique properties of the works under our care," he stated in a press release.
The LMI Group report also suggests that the discovery of an undocumented Van Gogh should not be entirely surprising. Given the artist’s history of losing works, gifting paintings to friends, and often neglecting pieces he regarded as mere studies, it is plausible that additional unknown Van Gogh works exist in private collections or unexpected locations.
The Final Verdict Awaits
While the LMI Group's findings strongly support the painting’s authenticity, official recognition as a genuine Van Gogh ultimately rests with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The previous owner of "Elimar" approached the museum in 2018, but at the time, experts declined to confirm its authenticity. Now, with the extensive research backing the claim, LMI Group remains confident that the painting will be acknowledged as an original Van Gogh in the near future.
The revelation of "Elimar" not only highlights the unpredictable nature of art discovery but also underscores the enduring legacy of Vincent van Gogh. If authenticated, this painting will become an invaluable addition to the artist’s catalog, further enriching our understanding of his work and creative journey.