Scottish scientists using x-rays discovered A previously unknown self-portrait of Vincent van Gogh. The work was found under a layer of the painting “Head of a Peasant Woman in a White Cap”, painted by the artist in 1885. The canvas was examined by x-rays in preparation for the summer exhibition of French impressionism.
The discovery was made possible because of the difference in the density of paints used by Van Gogh. Under a layer of paint, scientists were able to recognize the famous hat, neckerchief and the left side of the artist’s face. The found self-portrait turned out to be one of six experimental works of the artist, five of which were painted on the reverse side of older canvases.
At the moment, restorers are looking for a way to separate the two images without harming the paintings. The task is complicated by the fact that the self-portrait spent more than 130 years under layers of glue and cardboard. The senior art curator at the Scottish National Gallery called the find “an incredible discovery.” “For us, this is another little nugget that will help us get closer to an incredible artist,” she added. Already this month, visitors to the exhibition at the Royal Academy will be able to view the found work through a specially designed lightbox.
More news in Telegram channel “Kommersant”.