$50 painting sparks art world frenzy: Can it be hidden Van Gogh?

A seemingly simple $50 flea market find is sparking a whirlwind of excitement in the art world. What was once considered an ordinary portrait could turn out to be a hidden gem, possibly a long-lost masterpiece by none other than Vincent van Gogh. 

ThinkStewartville.com features in a new article about a man, with a sharp eye for antiques, who bought a painting for just $50, unknowingly acquiring what could be a masterpiece by one of the world's most famous artists. This incredible discovery has captured the attention of art lovers and experts, launching an intriguing process of authentication and valuation.

In 2016, an antique collector’s usual visit to a Minnesota flea market led to an unexpected find. Among the many items for sale, a portrait stood out to him. Unaware at the time, this $50 purchase would soon become the focus of an exciting art world enigma. The oil painting, which portrayed a pipe-smoking fisherman, had the inscription "Elimar" at its base, providing a mysterious hint about its origins.

Three years after the initial purchase, the painting was sold again. LMI Group acquired the piece for an undisclosed amount, sensing its possible importance. This marked the start of a thorough investigation into the artwork’s history and authenticity. As word of the painting spread, it was likened to other extraordinary flea market finds, including a man who spent $1 million restoring an old boat, only to encounter unforeseen difficulties.

The prospect that this unassuming flea market discovery could be an unknown work by Vincent van Gogh has stirred excitement within the art world. Experts have been thoroughly analyzing every detail of the painting, from its brushstrokes to its chemical makeup, in a bid to uncover its true origins and worth.

A team of nearly twenty professionals, including art historians, chemists, and patent lawyers, has come together to meticulously examine the painting. Their combined expertise has been instrumental in uncovering clues about the origins of "Elimar." The investigation has been exhaustive, ensuring every aspect of the artwork is analyzed to confirm its authenticity.

One of the key discoveries came from studying the painting’s pigments. Experts found a match between the red pigment in “Elimar” and a particular type of paint commonly used in southern France during the late 19th century. This finding aligns with van Gogh’s known location and artistic practices at the time.

Drawing from their comprehensive research, experts have tentatively dated the painting to 1889, a pivotal year in van Gogh’s life when he created his famous masterpiece “The Starry Night” while staying at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. This connection to such a significant period in the artist’s career strengthens the possibility that “Elimar” is indeed a genuine van Gogh.

By Naila Huseynova