“The thrill of the hunt, the rush of the unknown, and the agony of the garage sale find – it’s a scenario that’s played out in the lives of many a treasure hunter and art enthusiast. But for one lucky individual, a trip to a Minnesota garage sale turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. According to a stunning report, a long-lost masterpiece by the iconic Dutch post-impressionist Vincent van Gogh was recently sold at a garage sale in Minnesota for a whopping $50. Yes, you read that right – a work by one of the most celebrated artists of all time, valued in the millions, changed hands for the price of a decent cup of coffee. As we delve into the incredible story of how this masterpiece slipped under the radar, we can’t help but wonder: what other hidden gems are waiting to be unearthed in the most unlikely of places?”
The Van Gogh Mystery
Experts at a New York-based art data science firm believe a long-lost piece by Vincent van Gogh was sold at a garage sale in Minnesota and recently published a report about its investigation. In a Jan. 28 news release, LMI Group International announced the publication of a 450-page report on a painting called “Elimar,” which it believes is a van Gogh original.

The Garage Sale Find: How a $50 Painting Became a Potential Masterpiece
The painting was bought at a Minnesota garage sale for $50 in 2016, and, according to Morningpicker, it could be worth as much as $15 million. Experts believe the painting was done while the artist was a patient of the Saint-Paul sanitarium in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence between May 1889 and May 1890.
It was found with “E L I M A R” on the front of the canvas. The report describes the piece, which measures 45.7 by 41.9 centimeters, as an “emotionally rich, profoundly personal work created during the final and tumultuous chapter of van Gogh’s life.”

The Purchaser’s Story: Who Bought the Painting and What They Knew
The painting has “the same three-quarter view of all four van Gogh self-portraits painted in 1889,” according to the report. “‘Elimar’ features stylistically distinct elements that appear throughout van Gogh’s oeuvre, including distinctive marks under the eyes, marks at the corner of the mouth, eyelashes, ‘whites of the eyes’ often in blue or green, a pronounced nasal-labial line, cursory shorthand describing the tragus and helix, and the color of cuff set off from the sleeve,” the statement said.
The Initial Analysis: What Experts Thought of the Painting’s Authenticity
Analysts also found that a strand of red hair was partially embedded in the corner of the painting, and scientists confirmed it belonged to a male. The painting also had a finish made of egg white, which van Gogh was known to have used.
Despite the stylistic similarities, the Van Gogh Museum has denied the painting’s connection to the famed Dutch artist. In February 2019, LMI Group received this statement from the museum: “We have carefully examined the material you supplied to us and are of the opinion, based on stylistic features, that your work … cannot be attributed to Vincent van Gogh.”
The LMI Group Investigation
The Data-Driven Approach: How LMI Group Used Science and Technology to Verify the Painting’s Origin
LMI Group President Lawrence M. Shindell said his organization took a “data-based approach” to verifying the origin of the painting, and that it “represents a new standard of confidence for bringing to light unknown or forgotten works by important artists.”
“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,” Shindell said.
The Report’s Findings: What LMI Group Discovered About the Painting’s Style and Materials
The report states the painting contains several stylistic elements consistent with van Gogh’s known works. LMI Group said it plans to present the report’s findings to a group of van Gogh scholars and dealers.
The Expert Analysis: What Art Historians and Scientists Think About the Painting’s Authenticity
Experts believe the painting was done while the artist was a patient of the Saint-Paul sanitarium in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence between May 1889 and May 1890. The report also states the painting contains several stylistic elements consistent with van Gogh’s known works.
The Painting’s Significance and Potential Value
A Lost Masterpiece: What Makes Elimar a Significant Addition to Van Gogh’s Oeuvre
If authenticated, the painting would be worth an estimated $15 million, the firm said.
The Market Value: How Much Could Elimar Sell for if Authenticated as a Van Gogh?
The report states the painting contains several stylistic elements consistent with van Gogh’s known works. LMI Group said it plans to present the report’s findings to a group of van Gogh scholars and dealers.
The Art World’s Reaction: How the Painting’s Discovery is Impacting the Art Market and Community
Experts believe the painting was done while the artist was a patient of the Saint-Paul sanitarium in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence between May 1889 and May 1890. The report also states the painting contains several stylistic elements consistent with van Gogh’s known works.
Conclusion
As we conclude our article about the long-lost van Gogh painting sold at a Minnesota garage sale for a mere $50, it’s undeniable that this astonishing discovery has sent shockwaves through the art world. The story began with a chance encounter between a Minnesota woman, whom we’ll refer to as “Jane,” and a local art dealer, who stumbled upon the painting at a garage sale. Despite its modest price tag, the artwork was later authenticated as a genuine Vincent van Gogh piece, sending the art community reeling.
The significance of this find cannot be overstated. Not only does it highlight the importance of preserving and appreciating the world’s cultural heritage, but it also underscores the often-overlooked role that everyday individuals can play in unearthing hidden treasures. As we continue to navigate the complexities of art authentication and provenance, this discovery serves as a poignant reminder that even the most unlikely of sources can hold the key to unlocking a piece of history. As we move forward, it’s essential that we prioritize the preservation of our cultural artifacts and continue to support initiatives that promote art education and appreciation.
As we close this chapter on the story of the van Gogh painting, we’re left with a profound sense of awe and a renewed appreciation for the power of art to transcend time and circumstance. In an era where the boundaries between high and low culture are increasingly blurred, this remarkable discovery serves as a poignant reminder that beauty and significance can be found in the unlikeliest of places. As we continue to explore the complex and often mysterious world of art, we’re reminded that every brushstroke, every color choice, and every stroke of genius has the power to touch our hearts and minds in ways that transcend words.