Art has a way of hiding in plain sight, waiting for the right person to recognise its value. Sometimes, what seems like a lucky find turns out to be a discovery that changes everything. That's exactly what happened in Minnetonka, Minnesota, where an ordinary garage sale purchase may have resulted in one of the biggest art finds of the decade.
In 2016, an antique collector browsing through a neighbourhood garage auction spotted an old painting buried among dusty picture frames and faded photographs. At first glance, it looked like just another forgotten portrait and the price? Only $50 USD. But what no one knew at the time, including the previous owner, was that this modest purchase might actually be worth millions because it could very well be the work of Vincent van Gogh, one of history's most celebrated artists.
In just a decade, Vincent van Gogh created approximately 2,100 works of art. Image: Getty "Elimar" The Painting
The painting, which is now known as "Elimar," shows a weathered fisherman sitting by the sea with a pipe in hand, mending his nets. With deep, introspective eyes and masterful brushwork, the piece carries many similarities to Van Gogh's known works from 1889, the year he spent at the Saint-Paul psychiatric hospital in France.
The Authentication JourneyProving the authenticity of a newly discovered Van Gogh painting is no easy task. In 2018, the collector sent "Elimar" to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam for an evaluation in hopes of confirmation, but initial scepticism left the case unresolved. Instead of giving up, the painting was passed to the forensic experts at LMI Group, who spent five years studying its origins, technique, and history. The result? A 450-page report that suggests this $50 USD garage sale find could be worth $15 million USD ($23.8 million AUD).
According to their research, the piece appears to be an example of Van Gogh's practice of "translating" other artists' works. In this case, it is the reinterpretation of the 'Portrait of Niels Gaihede' by Danish artist Michael Ancher. The name "Elimar" also holds significance as it's a reference to a character from Hans Christian Andersen's 1848 novel, The Two Baronesses, who was one of Van Gogh's favourite authors.
Vincent van Gogh's painting The Potato Eaters. Image: Van Gogh Museum Technical Analysis
The 18-inch-tall portrait, while lacking Van Gogh's famous vibrant colours, displays what experts call "telltale signs of a deft painter at play." Experts point to the expressive brushwork, attention to detail, and fisherman theme — a subject Van Gogh painted frequently in his early years.
Despite this, not everyone in the art world is convinced. While LMI Group is preparing to present "Elimar" to major Van Gogh scholars and dealers, full authentication remains a challenge.
Vincent van Gogh's painting The Reaper. Image: Van Gogh Museum The Artist Behind the Mystery
Vincent van Gogh's artistic journey was anything but ordinary. Prior to becoming one of the most celebrated painters in history, he was an art dealer, a teacher, and a missionary — only taking up a brush at the age of 27. Within a decade, he produced more than 2,100 works of art, including the paintings: The Starry Night, The Potato Eaters, and Irises which became some of the most iconic paintings in Western art history.
Whether Elimar will officially join that ranks is to be seen, but one thing is certain — this discovery proves that the finest treasures of the past can be hiding in plain sight. At garage sales, flea markets, or thrift shops, the next masterpiece could be sitting there waiting for someone with just the right amount of patience, knowledge, or sheer luck.
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