El Greco Painting Found Hidden Beneath a Forgery in the Vatican

A painting by El Greco, titled 'The Redeemer' (c. 1590–95), was discovered in the Vatican after restorers removed a later forgery that had been painted over it. Scientific analysis confirmed the authenticity of the original work, which had been donated in 1967 and hung in the Apostolic Palace without prior study. The restored painting is now part of a two-work exhibition at the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo.

The discovery is significant as it adds an authenticated work to El Greco's known oeuvre and provides insight into his creative process, revealing two earlier discarded compositions beneath the final painting. The exhibition allows for a direct comparison with an earlier El Greco work, highlighting the artist's stylistic evolution. The find also underscores the value of restoration and technical analysis in uncovering hidden art historical treasures.