For 400 years, Rubens' masterpiece was actually a copy

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Glasgow's Pollock House has displayed a replica of a painting by Flemish master Sir Peter Paul Rubens that had been thought lost for 400 years – only art historians have concluded that the painting is actually the original.

The portrait is to go on display at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow from Thursday.

The painting was identified by art historian Dr. Bendor Grosvenor while working with historian Emma Dabiri for a new television series of Britain's Lost Masterpieces. The first episode, featuring the rare 17th century Rubens portrait of the Duke of Buckingham, George Villiers, will be aired Wednesday on BBC Four.

Conservation work carried out by the restorer Simon Gillespie removed layers of dirt and overpaint that had concealed many of Rubens' trademark techniques.

Peter Paul Rubens – Portrait of George Villiers, First Duke of Buckingham/Wikipedia Commons

Now returned to its original state, the portrait has undergone reassessment, and the revised attribution to Rubens was confirmed by the director of the Rubenshuis Museum in Antwerp, Ben van Beneden.

Chair 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."

"We are excited to give as many people as possible the opportunity to see Rubens' masterpiece in person. George Villiers, First Duke of Buckingham is sure to become one of the undoubted highlights of any visit to Kelvingrove."

Grosvenor commented: "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."

Rubens is thought to have painted the portrait in about 1625, during the reign of James I, but it had been regarded as lost by art historians for almost 400 years. The rediscovered portrait is only the second by Rubens to be held in a public collection in Scotland.

(Front pic: Pollock House curator Pippa Stephenson, BBC Four art historian Dr Bendor Grosvenor and presenter and historian Emma Dabiri/ CSG CIC photo)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency