Incredible Discovery: Van Gogh Painting Worth $15 Million Found at Minnesota Garage Sale for $50

A stunning revelation has emerged from the depths of a dusty Minnesota garage sale—a Vincent van Gogh painting, previously unrecognized, now estimated to be worth a staggering $15 million. The masterpiece, an oil portrait portraying a fisherman enjoying a pipe, was crafted in 1889, coinciding with van Gogh's creation of the iconic "The Starry Night" at a psychiatric facility in southern France, as reported by ArtNews.com.

The astonishing find took place when an anonymous antiques collector acquired the painting for a mere pittance of under $50 several years ago. Today, a consortium of approximately 20 experts has appraised the artwork at a remarkable $15 million.

Maxwell Anderson, a former curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, expressed his astonishment upon first laying eyes on the painting. He noted the van Gogh-esque smile lines encircling the fisherman's face and even discovered a solitary red hair, reminiscent of the artist's own fiery locks, embedded within the paint.

To ascertain the painting's authenticity, Anderson collaborated with a diverse group comprising conservators, scientists, and historians. Their collective conclusion strongly suggests that the piece is indeed a creation of the tormented genius, Vincent van Gogh.

Further validating their findings, the experts identified a specific red pigment in the artwork that corresponds to a paint brand commonly used in southern France during the late 19th century.

The painting captures a poignant scene of a white-bearded fisherman mending his net beside a desolate shoreline, with the name "Elimar" inscribed in the lower right corner—presumably the subject's identity, as per reports.

Anderson remarked, "This poignant portrayal embodies van Gogh's enduring theme of redemption, a motif that frequently permeated his correspondence and artistic endeavors. Through Elimar, van Gogh has fashioned a spiritual self-portrait, offering viewers a glimpse of the artist as he aspired to be remembered."

Before receiving official authentication, the painting must undergo scrutiny by the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the ultimate authority on the artist's works.

During the authentication process, a consortium of around 20 experts spanning diverse fields such as chemistry, art, and patent law, united under the banner of the New York-based art research firm LMI Group. In 2019, the firm acquired the painting from the anonymous collector, embarking on a journey to unveil the truth behind this extraordinary discovery.