The art world has been abuzz with excitement as a long-lost masterpiece by Scotland's own Katherine Read has finally been unveiled, its true identity confirmed by the experts on BBC's Fake or Fortune. And what a find it is – a stunning portrait of an Indian woman, adorned in pearls and emeralds, valued at a whopping £100,000.
Retired accountant Mary-Louise Wedderburn had been keeping this treasure hidden away for two decades, inherited from her uncle's will. But she's always suspected it was a Read – and now the experts have confirmed it, with art historian Charles Greig describing it as 'one of the trickiest paintings I've ever had to consider'.
Katherine Read was no shrinking violet in the art world of her day. She was rubbing shoulders with the likes of Gainsborough, earning a small fortune from her portraits. But like so many female artists, she fell out of favour as time went on – and some of her works were even attributed to male artists as artistic trends shifted.
The Fake or Fortune team has been meticulous in their investigation, poring over family archives, consulting specialists, and examining historical letters and wills. They've uncovered a wealth of information about Read's life in India, including her possible sitters among the local Mughal rulers. Greig points out that the technical analysis by the Courtauld Institute is particularly compelling – the pigments, modelling, and brushwork are eerily similar to another authenticated Read portrait.
The significance of this find can't be overstated. Not only does it shed new light on Read's life in India, but it also highlights the unique historical context of the painting. The sitter is likely a member of the Nawab's family – a royal connection that elevates the painting to new heights.
Philip Mould, art dealer and presenter, is optimistic that this discovery will lead to more works by Read emerging from the shadows. And co-presenter Fiona Bruce sees it as a 'brilliant result' not just for the artwork but also for Read's legacy – if it can be exhibited publicly, as Ms Wedderburn hopes, it'll give the sitter a voice and bring her story to life for a global audience.