By: Chloe Sun

Under layers of glue and cardboard, researchers have discovered a hidden masterpiece that Van Gogh created in his early years as an artist when he was low on money and had to paint on both sides of the canvas.

Researchers at the National Galleries of Scotland, X-rayed Van Goghs painting “Head of a Peasant Woman,” and found it. Throughout about 150 years of existence many of Van Goughs double sided paintings have been covered up. This is not the first double-sided painting Van Gogh has done, and probably not the last. For over a century, the painting has been hidden under layers of paper and glue. Experts believe that the layers of glue and cardboard were applied in the early 20th century. The museum describes the painting as, “a bearded sitter in a brimmed hat with a handkerchief loosely tied at the neck.” They write, “He fixes the viewer with an intense stare, the right side of his face in shadow and the left clearly visible”.