Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Hidden between layers of cardboard and glue lies a previously unknown self-portrait of Vincent Van Gogh. Experts at the National Galleries of Scotland discovered the portrait while taking an X-ray of Van Gogh's "Head of a Peasant Woman" painting ahead of an upcoming exhibition. The legendary artist was known for painting on the backside of canvases to save money, and the self-portrait became covered by glue and cardboard when "Head of a Peasant Woman" was framed in the 20th century. The X-ray shows a bearded sitter in a brimmed hat, which experts instantly recognized as the artist himself, and date to be from his early work. "Moments like this are incredibly rare," said Frances Fowle, senior curator at the National Galleries of Scotland. The gallery is now evaluating how to remove the glue and cardboard without harming "Head of a Peasant Woman".
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