Home / Arts and Entertainment / Rubens Masterpiece Hides Second Painting
Rubens Masterpiece Hides Second Painting
9 Jan
Summary
- A painting by Peter Paul Rubens was found to hide another image.
- The hidden image revealed a woman beneath the model's beard.
- The artwork will be displayed at the Brafa art fair in Brussels.
A recently discovered study by the renowned Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens conceals a second, earlier painting of a woman within the beard of its primary subject. Art dealer Klaas Muller acquired the piece, initially advertised as by an anonymous master, and later engaged art historian Ben van Beneden to authenticate it.
Van Beneden's analysis confirmed the high quality and lifelike craftsmanship, suggesting it is a genuine Rubens. The old man depicted in the study is a recurring figure in Rubens' larger works, appearing in paintings like 'The Raising of the Cross' and 'The Adoration of the Magi.' Muller believes this may be a lost prototype study.
The painting is set to be exhibited at the Brafa art fair in Brussels starting January 25, 2026, with Muller hoping a museum will eventually loan it for extended display. This discovery offers valuable insight into Rubens' technique of reusing paper and layering compositions.
