A possible unknown painting by Vincent van Gogh has been discovered in Hungary
The international art community has been rocked by the news that a previously unknown painting by Vincent van Gogh may have been found in Budapest. This was reported by the Hungarian publication Blikk, citing renowned art historian Zsofia Vegvari.
It is known that during an examination of works donated by a foreign collector, experts discovered a version of the famous painting “La Salle de danse à Arles” (1888).
The original of this painting is housed in one of the most prestigious museums in the world, the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. If the examination confirms the Dutch Post-Impressionist’s authorship, it will be one of the most significant art discoveries of the 21st century.
Zsofia Vegvari has headed the Laboratory for Comprehensive Painting Research in Budapest for almost 20 years.
This is a modern scientific center where the authenticity of artworks is verified using cutting-edge methods: spectral analysis of pigments, examination of canvas, primer, craquelure, and other materials.
According to Vegvari herself, preliminary analysis of the paints, canvas, and technique allows the discovered work to be dated to the period 1885–1890.
This coincides with the precise time when Van Gogh was at the height of his talent and created his most vibrant and emotional canvases in Arles and Saint-Rémy.
The study of the painting is ongoing, and final conclusions will be made after all laboratory tests are completed.
Why did Van Gogh create multiple versions of the same painting?
Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) is one of the most prolific and emotional artists in history. During his short artistic career (only about 10 years of active painting), he created over 2,000 works, including approximately 860 oil paintings.
In letters to his brother Theo, the artist repeatedly explained his practice: he made sketches, repeated compositions he liked, and experimented with color and technique.
Van Gogh was particularly active in his series of paintings in Arles in 1888—a period art historians call the “Golden Age of Arles.” It was then that he painted “Sunflowers,” “Night Café,” “Bedroom in Arles,” and “Dance Hall in Arles.”
If the discovered painting is indeed a work by Van Gogh, it could be either a preparatory study or an alternative version the artist created for himself or for sale.
If all the tests match, the likelihood of Van Gogh’s authorship becomes very high. For now, however, experts are cautious, saying, “Perhaps something similar happened with this painting.”
Confirmed new works by Van Gogh are extremely rare. The last significant discoveries occurred decades ago. If the Budapest painting is officially recognized, its value could reach tens, and possibly hundreds, of millions of euros.
We previously wrote about a funny story involving a guy who accidentally bought an unknown painting for $50 at a sale, and now it’s worth $15 million. Experts believe it is an unknown painting by Van Gogh.
