British critics have found in the parish church in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, a picture of the XVI century Flemish painter Quentin Matsys

British art historians have discovered in the parish church in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, Flemish painter of the XVI century Quentin Matsys (Quentin Massys). The most famous work of this master - painting "Ugly Duchess", which served as the basis for one of the illustrations of John Tenniel (John Tenniel) to "Alice in Wonderland". It is now exhibited at London's National Gallery and is very popular among visitors.

But apart from him Matsys also created a series of beautiful paintings with a religious theme. One of them, and drew the attention of conservative Uetni Simon (Simon Watney) and restorer Kiffa Steiner-Hutchins (Kiffy Stainer-Hutchins). They arrived at Holy Trinity Church in Bradford, to look at the picture, which they believed was written by Van Dyck (Van Dyck). After inspecting it closely, they came to the conclusion that they face only a copy of the XVIII century. But then the experts saw a small image of Christ, darkened by time and inserted into a terrible frame. "I was amazed by its quality, and immediately said:" This is Quentin Matsys "", - told Uetni.

After reading this work to a 30 by 38 centimeters, experts found that it is written two horizontal boards - rather unusual base. And then the Steiner-Hutchins remembered that once saw an image of the Virgin Mary Brush Matsys, also written on two boards. As a result of a lengthy investigation found out that the two images at one time constituted a single product. More than 100 years ago, he sawed into two parts, a greedy art dealer, someone wanted to earn more money.

image of the Virgin Mary is in the collection of Lady Tadzhell Juliet (Juliet Tadgell), inherited collection from his father, Lord Fitzwilliam (FitzWilliam). It has suffered greatly from a failed restoration, the edges of boards were cut. As for the "Bradford Christ", he remained in excellent condition: he not touched the hand of restorers, enthusiasts, only the top layer of lacquer much darkened by time. The picture stayed in the Holy Trinity Church about 60 years - in 1940 it gave the church a local landowner, Colonel Goff (Colonel Goff).

all these years, almost no one noticed it before , including the parish priest, Bill Mathews (Bill Matthews), served in the church last 28 years. He recently retired and his successor was not yet ready to talk about how much could spend money from the sale of paintings. And the money is, apparently, considerable. "This work of 500 years, and it is superb - said Uetni. - It will be very expensive." Incidentally, the 2008 portrait by Matsys was sold at auction for 1,1 million dollars.

There is another important issue that is very concerned professionals: will there ever be reunited two halves - "Christ" and "Virgin Mary". Many critics are hoping that one day it will still be able to do.

Material prepared Ekaterina Guseva, AI

Sources: timesonline.co.uk , artinvestment.ru