Gauguin and Van Gogh got no love in their lifetimes, but their work sells for astronomical prices today, because it is recognized for what it is.
If I had a spare $100 million laying around, I souldn't buy one if their pieces, as much as I am drawn to them. However, I've been to many international art museums, including Vienna, and if I had the scratch when a Klimt work came up for sale, I'd jump.
When I started woodworking, I didn't know squat. I have progressed in 30 years - now I do know squat.