
By Sama Marwan,
In an astonishing story that has once again surfaced in the art world, an art collector purchased a painting from a garage sale in Minnesota, USA, in 2016 for just $50. Years later, he discovered that it was one of the rare original works of the legendary Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, now valued at approximately $15 million, according to a report by “IT” Argentine newspaper.

The Full Story: How Was the Painting’s Authenticity Discovered?
- In 2016, the buyer (whose name has not been disclosed) found the painting at a garage sale and had no idea of its real value.
- The painting remained hanging in his home for several years until, in 2018, he decided to send photos of it to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam for verification.
- Initially, the museum did not believe the painting was authentic, as it was not registered in any official catalog of Van Gogh’s documented works.
- Later, in 2019, the painting was handed over to the LMI Group International, an art research organization that conducted extensive scientific tests over several years.
- Finally, scientific tests, X-ray analysis, color composition studies, and brushstroke examination confirmed the painting’s authenticity, leading to a valuation of $15 million in a recent report.
Painting Details: A Hidden Artistic Treasure from 1889
- Title: Elimar
- Size: 18 × 16.5 inches
- Material: Oil on canvas
- Subject: The painting depicts an elderly fisherman with a white beard, smoking while repairing his net.
- Year of Creation: 1889, just one year before Van Gogh’s tragic suicide in 1890.

How Was the Painting’s Authenticity Confirmed?
- Color and Brushstroke Analysis: Experts used X-ray imaging and layer analysis to match the pigments and brushstrokes with Van Gogh’s original works from that period.
- Style Matching: Studies revealed that the painting’s style closely aligned with Van Gogh’s work during his time at Saint-Paul-de-Mausole in France, where he created many similar-themed paintings.
- Historical Documentation: After cross-referencing the painting with Van Gogh’s letters and art records, researchers found indirect references suggesting the existence of this artwork.
How Did the Painting End Up in a Minnesota Garage Sale?
The exact history of how the painting traveled across decades remains unclear, but several theories suggest how it may have reached the United States:
- World War Art Looting: The painting could have been one of the many stolen artworks during World War II, later passing through multiple owners and losing its documented history.
- Ownership Changes Over Generations: A previous owner, unaware of its true value, might have sold or discarded it by mistake.
- Unofficial Trade: The artwork may have been taken out of Europe through unrecorded sales and later resold without recognition of its real worth.
What’s Next for the Painting?
- The artwork is expected to go up for auction at a major global art event next year, where its value could exceed $15 million due to its rarity and intriguing backstory.
- It may also be transferred to a prestigious museum, such as the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam or the Louvre, where it would be showcased as a newly discovered historical masterpiece.
Conclusion: Hidden Treasures Might Be Within Your Reach!
This story is a powerful reminder of the importance of paying attention to what we own—a real artistic treasure could be hiding in an unexpected place! Similar discoveries have happened before, such as:
- An original Caravaggio painting found in an attic of a French home.
- A rare Chopin manuscript discovered in a second-hand bookstore.
If you’re an antique collector, this might be the perfect time to check your belongings—you could be sitting on a priceless artifact without even knowing it!