A potential lost masterpiece by Vincent van Gogh, dubbed "Elimar," has surfaced under extraordinary circumstances. Purchased for a mere $50 at a Minnesota garage sale in 2016, the painting is now estimated to be worth a staggering $15 million, according to reports. Art experts at LMI Group International believe the artwork originated during van Gogh's stay at the Saint-Paul sanitarium in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence between May 1889 and May 1890.

The 450-page report released by LMI Group International details their investigation and analysis of "Elimar." They describe the piece, measuring 45.7 by 41.9 centimeters, as a deeply personal work from a turbulent period in the artist's life. The painting portrays a contemplative man with a pipe, wearing a fur hat and standing near the ocean. LMI points to several stylistic elements that align with van Gogh's known works, including the three-quarter view consistent with his 1889 self-portraits, specific markings under the eyes and at the corner of the mouth, and the distinctive rendering of eyelashes and the “whites of the eyes.”

Further strengthening their claim, analysts discovered a strand of red hair embedded in the painting's corner, scientifically confirmed to belong to a male. The use of an egg white finish, a technique known to be employed by van Gogh, adds another layer of intrigue. Despite these findings, the Van Gogh Museum has refuted the painting's attribution to the renowned artist, stating in 2019 that based on stylistic analysis, it could not be connected to van Gogh.

LMI Group President Lawrence M. Shindell emphasizes their data-driven approach to authentication, suggesting a new standard for verifying the provenance of potentially overlooked artworks. He highlights the integration of scientific techniques with traditional art historical analysis to build a comprehensive case. Fox News Digital has contacted the Van Gogh Museum for further comment on this developing story.