A hidden self portrait by Van Gogh discovered in Edinburgh

A hidden self portrait by Van Gogh discovered in Edinburgh: it was on the back of another painting

by Alessandro Vinci

The accidental discovery during an X-ray of the “Farmer’s Head” in the National Galleries. The work now undergoes a ‘fine work’, removing the glue and cardboard that previously kept it covered

It was supposed to be a routine analysis, but it turned out to be a sensational discovery. Experts at the National Galleries of Edinburgh couldn’t believe their eyes as they witnessed the results of an X-ray of ‘Peasant’s Head’, an 1885 painting by Vincent Van Gogh ‘A Taste for Impressionism “, from July 30th to November 13th in the well-known museum of the Scottish capital. The operation has indeed highlighted the presence of a previously unknown self-portrait of the Dutch genius on the back of the screen.

“Obviously, when we first saw it, we were very excited,” said chief conservator Lesley Stevenson in a still-enthusiastic conversation Video posted on social networks on Thursday -. Discoveries of this caliber come once, at most twice, in the life of a restorer ». Frances Fowle, Senior Curator of French Art, agreed: “The discovery of a portrait that no one knew existed is truly significant and incredibly exciting for our museum.” On the other hand, there is no doubt about the work’s authorship, as Van Gogh, who lived in poverty, reused the canvases to save money. Specifically, according to current knowledge, it is assumed that the self-portrait was made around 1887 and at the beginning of the 20th farmer decided before an exhibition in Paris to strengthen the structure of the canvas by “sacrificing” the painting on the back. What about it caused him to lose track all the time.

With that in mind, it’s easy to see why, according to the National Galleries, “removing the glue and cardboard is going to be a tricky job”. In fact, care must be taken to avoid damaging both the “new” self-portrait and the “Peasant Head”, which has been in the museum’s possession since 1960 and previously also belonged to the author, Evelyn St. Croix Fleming (mother of James Bond). Ian Fleming). “We’re still trying to figure out how to do that,” they continued of the structure. For the time being, visitors to “A Taste for Impressionism” will have to content themselves with viewing the reconstruction of the X-ray image, which is placed in a special lightbox. Suffice it to say, however, to appreciate its main features: that of a self-portrayal Van Gogh with the typical beard and a brimmed hat, a handkerchief tied around his neck and looking directly at the viewer. The left ear is also clearly visible: the one that would (perhaps) have been cut off in 1888 after a dispute with his friend Paul Gauguin. Once brought to light, it is then also possible to contemplate the colors and details: the waiting time is already very long.

July 15, 2022 (Change July 15, 2022 | 15:47)