Missing Rubens masterpiece uncovered after 400 years
♦a masterpiece by Peter Paul Rubens has been rediscovered in a historic Glasgow house after being “lost” for almost 400 years.
The 17th-century painting of George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, was in Glasgow Museums’ collection and on display at Pollok House, but grime and overpainting meant it was regarded as a copy.
Following conservation, the painting was identified as an authentic work by Rubens, who lived from 1577 to 1640. The work was carried out for the BBC’S Britain’s Lost Masterpieces.
Dr Bendor Grosvenor, the presenter and art historian, identified the painting and its authenticity has been confirmed by the director of the Rubenshuis Museum in Antwerp.
The portrait will be displayed in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum from Thursday.