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X-rays reveal Vincent van Gogh’s hidden self-portrait behind another painting

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Van Gogh was famous for reusing canvases to save money by working on the other side (Image: PA)

A new self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh, hidden from view for more than a century, has been discovered.

The discovery at the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh is described as “incredibly rare”.

X-rays have discovered a new portrait behind Van Gogh’s “Head of a Peasant Woman” (1885).

He was known for reusing canvas to save money by flipping the canvas over and working on the other side.

The new self-portrait shows a bearded model loosely tying a hat and necklace around his neck. His left ear, which he amputated in 1888, is clearly visible.

It is believed to be one of Van Gogh’s earliest works and his first self-portrait study, which later became famous.

Visitors to Edinburgh will be able to instantly see the sketch as an X-ray image through a specially designed light box.

It is possible to separate the images, but the process of removing the glue and cardboard requires careful storage.

The new painting is described as an “exciting discovery” by a delighted expert (Picture: PA)

Discovered by the invisible Vincent van Gogh

Lead curator Frances Fowle stands by the head of a peasant woman presenting a self-portrait (Image: PA)

Studies are underway on how this can be done without damaging the peasant woman’s head.

Professor Frances Fowle, Senior Curator of French Art at the Scottish National Gallery, described the discovery as “appealing”.

He states: “Those moments are extremely rare.

“I discovered the unknown work of Vincent van Gogh, one of the most important and popular artists in the world.

What a wonderful gift to Scotland and she will continue to look after the National Gallery forever.

X-rays were taken before the next exhibition, A Taste for Impressionism (Image: PA).

Head keeper Leslie Stephenson examines the head of a peasant woman, along with an x-ray of Van Gogh’s hidden self-portrait (Image: PA)

“I am happy to share this exciting discovery with you at the big summer exhibition ‘Impressionist Taste’, where X-ray images of self-portraits are on display.

There are more than 35 self-portraits by Van Gogh, most of which (25 and more) were drawn during his stay in Paris in 1886-1888.

Lack of money has been shown to save money.

The artist once said: “People say that it is difficult to know themselves, and I am willing to believe it, but it is not easy to draw myself.”

France-c.2002: Self-Portrait with Felt Hat, 1888, Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), oil on canvas, 44x37.5 cm.  (Photo by De Agostini/Getty Images);  Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.  (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)

Felt Hat Self-Portrait, 1888, Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) (Image: DeAgostini/Getty Images)

Leslie Stephenson, senior conservator and restorer of paintings at the National Gallery, said he was “not that excited” about the discovery of the portrait.

“Of course we were very excited when we first saw the X-rays,” he said.

“This is an important discovery as it adds to what we already know about Van Gogh’s life.

“There’s a lot to think about for the next step, but for us, getting a little closer to an amazing artist is another little nugget.

It is incredibly important and important to know that it is in the Scottish National Gallery, a collection belonging to the Scottish people.

“Hopefully it will encourage people to come and see.”

Art lovers can see portraiture as part of the Impressionist taste at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh.

It will be held from July 30 to November 13.

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Source: Metro

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