$10 Million Van Gogh Drawing To Be Unveiled at TEFAF Maastricht for the First Time in 100 Years

Vincent van Gogh Self-portrait with pipe and straw hat , 1887 41,9 × 30,1 cm Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

Following definitive authentication a landscape drawing by Vincent Van Gogh is set to be unveiled at TEFAF Maastricht, going on show for the first time for over 100 years, the Guardian reports. The artwork has been valued at $10 million.

The graphite, ink, and watercolor on paper shows a splendid green vineyard with a small village in the background, under a vivid blue sky.

Extensive research conducted by the British art dealers James Roundell and Simon Dickinson in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam found that two almost illegible numbers scrawled on the verso corresponded with those found on two separate lists of Van Gogh’s works compiled by Johanna, the wife of the artist’s brother Theo.

Johanna is credited with popularizing her brother in law’s work after his death in 1890.

Roundell, a former head of Impressionist and Modern Pictures at Christie’s said, “She set about trying to build a legacy for him. She could have just burned the lot because, at that point, Van Gogh had no real market.”

He explained that the number “5” corresponds with a list she wrote in 1902, and another number with a list from 1912.

He told the Guardian, “You’re getting a double reinforcement of lists that come direct from Johanna,” adding “I’m excited that we’re able to bring to light information about a drawing which really wasn’t known.”

The drawing has been held in private collections in Europe since it was last displayed in Germany, in 1910.

The news comes only days after an independent researcher claims Van Gogh concealed a version of The Last Supper in his masterpiece Café Terrace at Night (1888). (see Did Vincent Van Gogh Hide The Last Supper In His Masterpiece Café Terrace at Night?)


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