The media in particular and Art lovers in general were surprised a few days ago by the anouncement of the discovery of a yet-unknown painting by Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890). The masterpiece, entitled Sunset at Montmajour (1888), was found by the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and used to belong to a private collection. What makes it so rare is that it was done during the time the artist spent in Arles, south of France, just around when he painted The Sunflowers and The Bedroom, both worldwide famous.

Sunset in Montmajour, by Vincent Van Gogh (1888)

Technique: oil on canvas / Measures: 93.3 x 73.3 cm

VanGogh Museum - Amsterdam

How was it possible to conclude that it was a true Van Gogh? To claim that a painting was done by a certain artist it is necessary a deep and serious investigation about the style, technique, canvas and materials used. A technical study resolved that the pigments were identical to those used in Arles, as also the decorations. The canvas is also similar and, beneath, there's a previous work: it was typical of Van Gogh to give new uses to a same canvas. But the main proof for the authorities of the Museum were two letters where the masterpiece is mentioned by the artist in his own writing.

The painting belonged to his brother Theo's collection until it was sold in 1901. Now it can be admired, together with many other examples of his oeuvre at the Van Gogh Museum. In the meantime... Why not feel amazed by a Van Gogh in Buenos Aires, at the MNBA? 

Le moulin de la Galette, by Vincent Van Gogh (1886/7)

Technique: oil on canvas / Measures: 61 x 50 cm - MNBA