Rare ghostly image of Mary Queen of Scots discovered hidden beneath artwork
Newly discovered example – revealed through x-ray imaging – is of great historical importance
David Keys Archaeology Correspondent
X-ray view which reveals a portrait hidden underneath the top paint layers Courtauld Institute of Art
A previously unknown rare portrait of Mary Queen of Scots, as she would have looked as she languished in captivity in England some four and a half centuries ago, has been discovered underneath a later painting of a Scottish nobleman.
Only around four contemporary non-miniature portraits of Mary during her years of captivity still exist. This newly discovered example – revealed through x-ray imaging – is therefore of great historical importance.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/mary-queen-scots-image-discovery-hidden-painting-ghostly-face-portrait-a8022316.html