Van Gogh Museum says Dutch master didn't paint piece bought at Minnesota garage sale
The Van Gogh Museum says a painting purchased at a Minnesota garage sale did not come from the Dutch artist's hand, despite the claims from a New York research group.
The LMI Group said earlier this year it believed a painting bought for $50 at a garage sale in Minnesonka was an 1889 Van Gogh masterpiece titled "Elimar." The firm bought the painting and estimated its value at $15 million.
The group said a team of historians and scientists authenticated the painting and cited inconclusive DNA evidence for its claims.
In a statement, the Van Gogh Museum refuted the assertion of authenticity.
"We have considered the new information mentioned in the LMI Group's Elimar report," the museum said. "Based on our previous opinion on the painting in 2019, we maintain our view that this is not an authentic painting by Vincent van Gogh."
In its 2019 assessment, the museum said it "carefully examined" the painting and, "based on stylistic features," it could not be attributed to van Gogh. LMI was aware of the museum's declaration and included it in its 2025 report on "Elimar."
Note: The above video first aired on Jan 29, 2025.