Identification of “Elimar”
On Friday, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam stepped into the spotlight to clarify the identity of a much-discussed portrait.
Initially thought to be a long-lost work by the famed painter Vincent van Gogh, the piece has been definitively ruled out as his creation.
The artwork in question, titled “Elimar,” dates back to around 1889 and depicts a fisherman intently repairing his nets by the water, a pipe resting leisurely between his lips.
Significantly, the name “Elimar” is featured in the lower right corner of the painting.
The New York-based LMI Group International had earlier proposed that this piece was crafted during van Gogh’s stay at the Saint-Paul psychiatric sanitarium in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a time frame that stretched from May 1889 to May 1890.
Evaluation Process
To assess the painting’s authenticity, LMI Group assembled a multidisciplinary team of approximately 20 experts, including chemists and art curators.
Their investigation began after the painting was purchased in 2019 from an anonymous antiques collector who had discovered it at a garage sale in Minnesota, leading to an investment exceeding $30,000 in validation efforts.
Despite the museum’s quick determination regarding the painting’s origins, LMI Group expressed disappointment about the limited time allocated for the evaluation process.
They pointed out that the museum typically handles around 200 authenticity requests annually, with the majority being declined.
As inquiries continue to rise—now reaching about 500 each year—the museum has refined its criteria, prioritizing requests supported by professional art galleries or experts.
Future Collaborations
Maintaining a spirit of collaboration, LMI Group has conveyed its willingness to work with the Van Gogh Museum.
They are open to sharing insights from the scholars involved in their initial assessment and have even proposed sending the portrait to Amsterdam for further scrutiny.
As of now, the Van Gogh Museum has yet to respond publicly, leaving the door open for ongoing discussions in the fascinating realm of art.