A self-portrait of Vincent Van Gogh hidden for more than a century has been discovered hidden behind another of the artist's paintings.
The National Galleries of Scotland said the previously unknown portrait was found on the back of Van Gogh's Head of a Peasant Woman.
Experts at the Edinburgh gallery uncovered the painting when they X-rayed the canvas ahead of an upcoming exhibition.
The work is believed to have been covered by layers of glue and cardboard when it was framed in the early 20th century.
Van Gogh was known for turning canvases around and painting on the other side to save money.
The portrait shows a bearded sitter who experts said was instantly recognisable as the artist himself.
The gallery's senior curator Frances Fowle said the discovery was "thrilling."
"Moments like this are incredibly rare," she said.
"We have discovered an unknown work by Vincent Van Gogh, one of the most important and popular artists in the world."
Experts are evaluating how to remove the glue and cardboard without harming the other painting.
A light-box image of the X-ray will be on display at an upcoming Impressionist exhibit at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh.
ABC/AP
