Whether you’re an art enthusiast or enjoy a meander through an art gallery or two on First Thursdays, it’s more than likely you’ve heard of renowned painter, Vincent Van Gogh.
Thanks to a recent discovery by a gallery in Scotland regarding the artist, the art world has been buzzing with excitement. On Thursday it announced the discovery of a previously unknown self-portrait of the famed artist, with his ear intact!
The painting was reportedly hidden behind another painting and was only discovered after the gallery completed a routine canvas X-ray before an exhibition.
According to BBC, the hidden portrait was covered in layers of glue and cardboard and was stuck on the back of one of his earlier works, “Head of a Peasant Woman.”
Lesley Stevenson, the gallery’s senior conservator, said she was “shocked” when she discovered the artist staring back at them.
“When we saw the X-ray for the first time, of course, we were hugely excited.
“This is a significant discovery because it adds to what we already know about Van Gogh’s life.”
The Dutch artist often reused canvases to save money, turning them over and working on the other side. While the name Van Gogh is revered thanks to his influence on the modern art world, he never achieved fame in his lifetime.
The incredible discovery shows a bearded Van Gogh in a brimmed hat with a neckerchief tied at the neck. It was reportedly completed before the artist cut off his left ear in 1888, as per News24.
Those eager to lay their eyes on the piece will have the opportunity to do so at the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh during an upcoming exhibition in a specially designed lightbox.
Take a look at the incredible discovery below:
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Picture: Facebook