Sometimes, hidden treasures can be found in the most unexpected places, but can a simple garage sale painting really be worth millions? A Minnesota collector bought a painting for just $50 in 2016, and after expert analysis, the artwork has sparked a debate: Could this be a missing Vincent van Gogh masterpiece, worth an astounding $15 million?

The Mysterious Painting: “Elimar”

The painting in question, named Elimar, depicts a fisherman with a white beard, round brown hat, and a pipe in his mouth. He is seen repairing a fishing net while seated on the sand with the ocean in the background. At first glance, it looks like any other oil painting, but the details and the style have raised eyebrows.

Made in 1889, the painting was created during van Gogh’s time at the Saint-Paul psychiatric sanitarium in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France. It features bold brushstrokes typical of van Gogh’s impasto technique, where thick layers of paint create a rich texture that adds depth and emotion to the piece.

What Makes Elimar Special?

Experts suggest that Elimar might offer a rare glimpse into van Gogh’s deeper personal themes. Maxwell L. Anderson, the Chief Operating Officer of LMI Group and former Metropolitan Museum of Art director, believes that the piece represents van Gogh’s concept of “redemption” — a frequent topic in his letters and art. Anderson describes the painting as a “spiritual self-portrait,” indicating that van Gogh may have used the fisherman to represent his own struggles and his desire for recognition.

According to Anderson, this painting not only enhances our understanding of van Gogh’s work, but it also sheds new light on how the artist reinterpreted other works by different artists, a common practice in his creative process.

The Road to Authenticity: Expert Opinions

While the discovery of Elimar has sparked excitement in the art world, questions about its authenticity remain. Richard Polsky, a renowned art authenticator, cautioned that before claiming the painting is a genuine van Gogh, the piece must be thoroughly examined and approved by experts at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Polsky emphasized the importance of having scholars confirm the painting’s origins before jumping to conclusions.

In 2019, the Museum issued a statement expressing skepticism about the painting’s authenticity, citing their previous opinion that the artwork was not by Gogh. In a recent statement sent to PEOPLE on January 31, the museum reiterated its position, maintaining that Elimar does not meet the criteria for a genuine van Gogh.

Despite these assertions, the painting’s potential value cannot be ignored. If proven authentic, it could be one of the most significant art discoveries in years. Van Gogh’s works are rare and highly sought after, with his paintings regularly fetching millions at auction.

What Does This Mean for the Art World?

Whether or not Elimar turns out to be a true van Gogh masterpiece, this story serves as a reminder of the mysteries and surprises that art can hold. It also highlights how the art world is always evolving, with new discoveries sometimes hiding right under our noses.

For art collectors and enthusiasts alike, the case of Elimar shows that treasures can be found in the most unlikely places — and sometimes, the value of a piece is only discovered years later. While the Van Gogh Museum continues to express doubts, others remain hopeful that this might indeed be one of van Gogh’s missing masterpieces, waiting to be appreciated in the light of its true worth.

The Final Verdict

As of now, the authenticity of Elimar remains in question. While some experts champion the possibility that this is a lost van Gogh, the Van Gogh Museum holds firm in its stance. Regardless of the outcome, the story itself proves that the world of art continues to be full of fascinating surprises and mysteries — making it all the more captivating for those who seek out the unknown.