**VAN GOGH FOUND IN SUBURBAN GARAGE SALE SHOCKER!**
In a stunning turn of events, a New York-based art firm has confirmed that a painting purchased for a whopping $50 at a garage sale in rural Minnesota is, in fact, a long-lost masterpiece by the one and only Vincent van Gogh!
The painting, which was initially thought to be a “decent” reproduction of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” by a local artist, was scooped up by a savvy shopper who had no idea they were getting the deal of a lifetime. According to sources, the buyer, who wishes to remain anonymous, was simply looking for a “cute” picture to hang in their laundry room.
“I just thought it was a nice little painting,” said the buyer, who was still in shock over the news. “I mean, it’s not like I thought it was a real Van Gogh or anything… but I did notice it had a weird smell, like someone had been eating a lot of brie cheese while painting it.”
Experts from the prestigious Art-Tech firm, who were called in to verify the painting’s authenticity, were ecstatic to discover that the $50 garage sale find was, in fact, a previously unknown work by the famous Dutch post-impressionist.
“We were blown away,” said Dr. Sophia Patel, lead expert at Art-Tech. “The brushstrokes, the color palette, the sheer genius of the piece… it’s like Van Gogh himself walked into the room and said, ‘Ah, yes, I painted that. And I used a toothbrush to do it, too!'”
The painting, titled “Garage Sale Scene with Bicycle and Suspiciously-Looking Cat,” is believed to be one of Van Gogh’s most important works, showcasing his unique style and sense of humor.
“It’s like he’s poking fun at the whole art world,” said Dr. Patel. “I mean, who else but Van Gogh would paint a cat looking that smug?”
The buyer, who has chosen to remain anonymous, has been awarded a substantial cash prize for their incredible luck and has graciously agreed to donate the painting to a prominent museum, where it will be displayed for the enjoyment of the public.
In related news, local garage sale enthusiasts are frantically searching for other hidden treasures, with some reports suggesting that a nearby garage sale may yield a previously unknown Picasso sketch… or at least a really nice vase for $20.
**UPDATE:** The painting’s authenticity has been confirmed, but the buyer still can’t believe they only paid $50 for it. “I mean, I guess you could say I got a ‘ Van Gogh’ deal!” they laughed.
