Clean-up reveals the lost art of Rubens
HE is regarded as one of the greatest artists who ever lived.
Now a masterpiece by Rubens thought to have been lost for nearly 400 years has been rediscovered in a Scottish mansion.
The 17th century portrait of George Villiers – the 1st Duke of Buckingham – was found on show at Pollok House in Glasgow.
It had been widely believed by art historians to be a copy of the lost original painting by the Baroque artist.
But after conservation work for the BBC series Britain’s Lost Masterpieces, it was reassessed and confirmed to be an authentic work by Sir Peter Paul Rubens, who lived from 1577 to 1640.
Presenter and art historian Dr Bendor Grosvenor said: ‘The chance to discover a portrait of such a pivotal figure in British history, by one of the greatest artists who ever lived, has been thrillingly exciting.
‘I hope it inspires many people to visit Glasgow’s museums, some of the finest in the country.’
The artwork was identified by Dr Grosvenor while working on the series with historian and co-presenter Emma Dabiri.
Painstaking conservation work was carried out by restorer Simon Gillespie, who removed layers of dirt and overpaint that had concealed many of Rubens’s trademark techniques, and which had previously created doubt over the painting’s true attribution.
The piece is believed to have been painted in about 1625, the end of the reign of James VI.
Culture body Glasgow Life said it was reassessed and the revised attribution to the Flemish artist was confirmed by Ben van Beneden, of the Rubenshuis Museum in Antwerp.
Chairman of Glasgow Life David McDonald said: ‘Unsurprisingly we are beyond delighted to discover the painting is by Rubens, an artist renowned globally as one of the most important painters in history. It has been a joy to work with Britain’s Lost Masterpieces to understand much more about this remarkable painting.’
The programme featuring the painting will be aired on BBC Four on Wednesday at 9pm.
The newly discovered portrait will be displayed in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum from Thursday.