When an Artist Changes His Mind

The term pentimento refers to "a reappearance in a painting of an original drawn or painted element which was eventually painted over by the artist." Often the changes are small adjustments to the painting, while others are more significant.

I've seen several articles in recent weeks about art researchers exposing hidden works beneath some well-known masterpieces. Using advanced imaging techniques, a new multi-modal scanner that integrates various methodologies and artificial intelligence, these art detectives have given us more to ponder.

(L) Picasso's portrait; (R) X-ray showing the woman

One notable discovery involved the reveal of a woman's portrait beneath a painting from Pablo Picasso's Blue Period, specifically a depiction of the artist's friend and fellow sculptor, Mateu Fernández de Soto. Exposed through infrared imaging technology, the portrait of the unidentified woman appears to be whispering into de Soto's ear, creating an enchanting scene where the past and present converge.

In many cases, these concealed portraits represent mere remnants of rejected compositions that were never meant to be seen. Without the assistance of advanced imaging tools, which allow experts to see beneath the paint without damaging the artwork's surface, these hidden layers would remain undiscovered.

(L) Seurat's painting; (R) X-ray revealing himself

Georges Seurat's "Young Woman Powdering Herself" initially offers a charming examination of the relationship between subject and style. Utilizing his distinctive pointillist technique, Seurat portrays his mistress as she gently applies powder to her face. However, behind her, a vase of flowers obscures a self-portrait of the artist, which was only uncovered through advanced imaging technologies.

L) Modigliani's portrait; (R) X-ray showing full figure

Likewise, artificial intelligence has been instrumental in reconstructing the complete figure hidden beneath Italian modernist Amedeo Modigliani's famous work, "Portrait of a Girl" (1917). This "ghost portrait" is thought to represent an ex-lover with whom Modigliani had ended a relationship a year prior.

I know of two portraits we have delivered with serious pentimentos, It would be fun to see what is revealed by future art detectives.