Doug Peterson

Executive Summary

In 2024, I led a team of experts conducting comprehensive visual analysis of a painting under investigation as a possible work of Vincent van Gogh. Our technical imaging provided significant evidence supporting its eventual authentication. The project included multiple advanced imaging modalities as well as cutting-edge computational imaging methods.

Unfortunately NDAs protecting the data privacy of this painting (valued at $15 million) limit the images and details I can share. However, the full 458-page research report produced by LMI can be found here.

Imaging Techniques Applied

2D Imaging Techniques

• Standard photography (visible)

• Raking light

• Reflective infrared (IRR)

• Transmitted infrared (IRT)

• Narrow-band visible imaging

3D Imaging Techniques

• Photogrammetry

• Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI)

• Focus stacking of a hair embedded in the painting*

Computational Imaging Techniques

• Principal Component Analysis (PCA)

• Canvas Weave Analysis

Novel Canvas Analysis Technique

The established industry practice for the analysis of canvas thread count and angle required transmissive x-ray imaging. I developed a novel technique using raking light capture and sophisticated frequency-domain signal processing. This approach makes canvas analysis far more accessible, broadening its applicability within the art authentication community

*Analysis showed the hair was red in color and contained male human DNA, but it was too degraded for comparison to living Van Gogh relatives

Press Coverage

Unsurprisingly, the discovery and authentication of an orphaned Van Gogh received significant press coverage. For example:

• CNN: Painting Found at Garage Sale is a Van Gogh, Experts Say

• Wall Street Journal: Was That a Real Van Gogh at the Garage Sale?

• Smithsonian: Someone Bought This Painting at a Garage Sale for $50. Experts Say It’s a Lost van Gogh Worth $15 Million