The hidden self-portrait was on the back of another of the Dutch artist’s early paintings, “Head of a Peasant Woman”, or “The Head of a Peasant Woman”.
The self-portrait was hidden behind layers upon layers of glue and cardboard. The painting has been owned by the Scottish National Museum since 1960 and was examined by X-ray before an exhibition.
Curator Lesley Stevensen says that the experts were shocked and upset when they saw what was hidden behind the painting.
– It is a significant discovery as it contributes more knowledge to what we already know about Van Gogh’s life, she says.
Van Gogh was known for – like several artists – painting on both sides of the canvas to save money. Experts believe it is possible to bring the portrait to light and will now start a painstaking work of removing the glue and cardboard without damaging the front of the painting.
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