In 2000 a collector purchased a portrait for just 2,000 Euro that was thought to be by an imitator of Hans Holbein the Younger. After the painting was sold by auctioneer, Raymond de Nicolay, the owner had the painting cleaned, revealing new details. Additional imaging using infra-red photography revealed an under-drawing that matched Holbein’s process. Scholars followed up on the provenance, revealing that the subject of the painting was an ageing Erasmus. Furthermore, the painting is believed to be one of Holbein’s last works. It was not until 2008 that the painting was displayed at the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum in Rotterdam, Holland.

Find out now if you have an authentic Hans Holbein painting or drawing: