Original Oil on Canvas Probably by Vincent Van Gogh NOT A PRINT, POSTER, COPY, JOKE OR SCAM! **FOR REAL** Start Price USD 1,500,000.00 Current Price USD 1,500,000.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, July 17, 2008 End Time Sunday, July 27, 2008 Location Brookville, Indiana See more about 'Original Oil on Canvas Probably by Vincent Van Gogh' Description Probable VINCENT VAN GOGH Original Oil on Canvas Not authenticated This beautiful painting resided in a private collection since it was brought to the United States from France in 1905.  It was purchased by the current owner from the proceeds of an early 1980's auction at an estate on the north side of Indianapolis.  It is believed the owners at the time never recognized the artist because the painting is unsigned.  The present owner did not recognize it as Van Gogh until 1992 or 1993 when he had two art dealers assisting him in inventorying his entire collection of fine art.  In the course of creating and cataloging the paintings, one of the art dealers recognized the style and stated what then became obvious to all who saw the painting - that it had all the "makings" of a genuine Van Gogh.  The impasto style, richness of the red color in the flowers, etc. The painting is on stretched canvas, about 25 7/8 inches (66 cm) wide by 21 3/4 inches (55 cm) high.  It is in good condition, but perhaps would benefit from a good cleaning. The frame, while included with the sale, is not original - the painting was unframed until its recognition in the early 1990's when the canvas was framed to protect it.  Detailed photographs, including a number of close-ups and the back side of the canvas, are included below.  They will need a few minutes to load on slower internet connections. During Van Gogh's last years, experts know from his letters and their studies that Vincent heard there were Americans coming to France, and knowing of American's love for still life paintings, he started pumping them out for sale because (as throughout his life) he desperately needed the money.  We believe this painting at auction is likely one of those florals. It takes little research to learn that there are a number of Van Gogh paintings that were known to exist but whose location today is not known.  We believe we have come across one of those missing paintings here in central Indiana. This painting was viewed/inspected by a number of art experts over the course of a few years in the early 1990's, both American and European.  Several of those experts, none of whom can be named, verified the canvas as definitely late 19th century, but none was willing or qualified to authenticate the painting as a missing Van Gogh.  Significantly, none of them dismissed the painting as NOT a Van Gogh original.  However, the cost of testing to authenticate exceeded the means of the owner. So the owner allowed this painting to sit quietly in collection until today, waiting for its return to the art world.  The purchaser takes the gamble. Should this turn out to be an authenticated Van Gogh, the value would clearly be many millions of dollars, far beyond the asking price.  Even if the painting was authenticated as an original by a Van Gogh contemporary, instead of by Vincent himself, the value would still likely be far in excess of the asking price of $1.5 million.  Please, serious inquiries only.  Payment is expected to be made by Cashier's Check or inter-bank wire transfer.  Other payment means can be considered, but not personal checks.  The purchaser takes title to the painting at the time of payment, and is responsible for packaging and shipping.  We will help in any way possible of course, but it will be the buyer's responsibility to get the painting safely to its new home. I know that eBay auctions are a trust thing.  I offer my assurance that every word put forth above as fact is true to the best of my knowledge. My eBay standings will testify to my trustworthiness, as would my resume (I spent twenty years in the US Navy Submarine Force.)  However, I acknowledge and advise that I am not an art expert, and the opionions and beliefs stated above should be taken as exactly that- my unsubstantiated opinon or belief. Detailed photos below for your perusal. Place a Bid!