A previously unknown self-portrait by Vincent Van Gogh, which had been hidden from view for more than a century, has been discovered by art conservators at National Galleries of Scotland.
The National Galleries said on July 14 that the mysterious image was revealed by an X-ray taken when conservators examined Van Gogh’s Head of a Peasant Woman ahead of a forthcoming exhibition.
The self-portrait was on the back of the canvas, covered by layers of glue and cardboard, the galleries said.
Prof Frances Fowle, senior curator of French art at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “Moments like this are incredibly rare. We have discovered an unknown work by Vincent Van Gogh, one of the most important and popular artists in the world. What an incredible gift for Scotland, and one that will forever be in the care of the National Galleries.
