Rediscovery of Unique Frame for Van Gogh's Three Sunflowers Painting

Researchers have reconstructed the appearance of a distinctive frame created for Vincent van Gogh's 1888 painting 'Three Sunflowers.' The frame, featuring dark lacquer with gold circles and angled edges, was commissioned by Parisian couturier Jacques Doucet around 1913-1920. Evidence emerged from a 1930s photograph showing the painting in the home of Doucet's nephew, identified by Art Deco specialist Alexandra Jaffré. The frame was later sold at Sotheby's in 1989 without its painting connection known. Jaffré attributes the frame design to Eileen Gray, who worked for Doucet in 1913-1914. The painting remains in a private collection, while the frame's current location is unknown.