An early portrait of a Spanish general was found under a Rijksmuseum painting using new x-ray technology
By Martin Bailey. From Web only
Published online: 21 September 2011
The Rijksmuseum’s “Portrait of Ramon Satue”, 1823, and right, a diagram of the underlying image compiled by the restorer Anna Krekeler
A hidden portrait by Goya has been discovered under one of the artist’s paintings at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It lies beneath the Portrait of Ramón Satué, 1823, which depicts a judge. The original image was revealed using scanning macro x-ray fluorescence spectrometry, a new technique developed by the universities of Antwerp and Delft.
Who did Goya originally depict? The sitter wears a uniform, embellished with a medal, which has been identified as that of the highest level of the Royal Order, a chivalric order founded by Joseph Bonaparte, king of Spain. This means that the hidden portrait must date from 1809 to 1813. Only 15 generals, plus Joseph, were entitled to wear the uniform and medal, although so far it has proved impossible to pin down exactly which of them is depicted.
Read more: http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Hidden+Goya+portrait+discovered/24627