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Ian YoungsCulture reporter
Kelly Schenk, Rijksmuseum
Rembrandt was 27 when he painted the high priest Zacharias, father of John the Baptist
A long lost painting by Rembrandt has been rediscovered and authenticated by experts, after its whereabouts were unknown for decades.
Rembrandt's Vision of Zacharias in the Temple, from 1633, disappeared after being sold into a private collection in 1961, and scholars excluded it from their lists of the Dutch master's works on the basis of photographic evidence.
But it resurfaced when its owners presented it for tests at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which undertook a two-year examination.
"Materials analysis, stylistic and thematic similarities, alterations made by Rembrandt, and the overall quality of the painting all support the conclusion that this painting is a genuine work," the gallery said.
Kelly Schenk, Rijksmuseum
The museum will put the painting on public view from Wednesday.
It confirmed the authenticity after studying the paints, which fit with those used by Rembrandt during that period, and the painting technique and build-up of layers, which are also comparable with his other early works.
The signature is original and the wooden panel dates from the correct period, the researchers said.
Kelly Schenk, Rijksmuseum
Rembrandt was 27 when he created the painting, which depicts the Biblical scene when high priest Zacharias is told by the Archangel Gabriel that despite their age, he and his wife will have a son, John the Baptist.
The museum said Rembrandt had given the Biblical story an innovative twist. Instead of depicting the Archangel Gabriel visibly, he only suggested his presence. In doing so, he departed from established visual traditions and introduced a new way of representing this subject.
Rembrandt deliberately chose the decisive moment, just before Gabriel reveals his true identity.
It is one of the few history paintings Rembrandt created during this period. At the time, he was primarily producing portraits, which were highly lucrative.
Rijksmuseum director Taco Dibbits said: "It's wonderful that people can now learn more about the young Rembrandt - he created this very poignant work shortly after moving from Leiden to Amsterdam.
"It is a beautiful example of the unique way Rembrandt depicts stories."
