Van Gogh self-portrait found hidden behind another painting

A previously unknown self-portrait of Vincent Van Gogh has been discovered behind another of the artist’s paintings.

The National Galleries of Scotland said Thursday it was found on the back of Van Gogh’s “Head of a Peasant Woman” when experts took an X-ray of the canvas before an upcoming exhibition.

It is believed that layers of glue and cardboard covered the self-portrait when it was framed in the early 20th century.

Experts said the bearded subject was instantly recognizable as the artist himself, and the painting is thought to be from his early work.

The left ear is clearly visible. Van Gogh famously cut his ear off in 1888.