The artwork shows a bearded fan in a brimmed hat with a handkerchief loosely tied around her neck. His left ear, which he famously cut off in 1888, is clearly visible. Believed to have been hidden from view for more than a century, the sketch was revealed after an X-ray of another of Van Gogh’s works – Head of a Peasant Woman (1885) – was found on the back of the canvas, hidden by layers of cardboard. Van Gogh was known for reusing canvas to save money by turning it over and working on the opposite side. The extraordinary find from the National Galleries of Scotland is believed to be a first for a British institution. It is believed to be from his early work and his first exploration of self-portraits, for which he later became known. The cardboard and glue layers are believed to have been applied prior to an early 20th century exhibition. Visitors to the upcoming A Taste for Impressionism exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, will be able to view the sketch as an X-ray image through a custom-made lightbox. While it may be possible to separate the two pieces, the process of removing the glue and cardboard will require delicate maintenance work. Research is being done on how this can be done without damaging a farmer’s head. Image: People will be able to view the sketch as an X-ray image through a custom-made lightbox. Photo: National Galleries of Scotland ‘Incredibly rare’ The discovery has been described as “exciting” by Professor Frances Fowle, senior curator of French art at the National Gallery of Scotland. She had been queuing outside a fishmonger when she received a text from her colleague telling her the breaking news. He said: “Moments like this are incredibly rare. “We discovered an unknown work by Vincent van Gogh, one of the most important and popular artists in the world. “What an incredible gift to Scotland, and one that will forever be in the care of the National Gallery.” Image: The painting behind which the sketch was hidden was the head of a peasant woman (1885). Photo: National Galleries of Scotland ‘Another Nugget’ Lesley Stevenson, senior conservator of paintings at the National Galleries, said: “This is an important discovery because it adds to what we already know about Van Gogh’s life. “There’s a lot to think about next steps, but for us it’s another little nugget to bring us a little closer to an incredible artist. “To know that it exists in a painting, which is in the National Galleries of Scotland in a collection owned by the people of Scotland, is incredibly important and significant.” The exhibition, A Taste for Impressionism, opens on July 30 and runs until November 13.
