An unknown Van Gogh painting was discovered in a Norwegian attic. The painting was kept in storage as it was believed to be a fake. The Van Gogh Museum has determined that the painting is indeed authentic.
The painting was authenticated by examining the age, style, and materials used. Experts also compared it with Van Gogh’s letters, which helped track the painting’s history.
As reported by ABC News , the painting is called “Sunset at Montmajour.” It was listed among the assets of Van Gogh’s brother Theo. The list identified the painting with the number 180, which was also written on the back of the painting.
The Van Gogh painting was also mentioned in several letters. In the letters, Van Gogh expressed his disappointment with the painting, and several others.
“Sunset at Montmajour” was painted in 1880. The techniques and materials are similar to those used in “Sunflowers,” “The Yellow House,” and “The Rocks.”
The painting was acquired by an unidentified Norwegian family in 1908. The family was told that it was not authentic. It was eventually stored in an attic.
In 1991, the painting was taken to the Van Gogh museum for authentication. Experts at the museum were unable to identify the work.
With more information, the museum has now identified the Van Gogh painting. The work depicts a landscape in Montmajour. As reported by CNN , the landscape includes a wheat field , trees, and the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey.
The painting will be displayed at the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam, beginning September 24. It will become part of the “Van Gogh at Work” exhibition.
The exhibition explores Van Gogh’s artistic changes and development throughout the years. It includes discussion about some of his later discovered techniques.
The museum currently houses and displays over 100 Van Gogh paintings. Every year more than 1 million guests travel to see the valuable collection.
To see the painting, click here .
[Image via Wikimedia ]
