Cunningly altered from its original state (right) to match the style of Hans Holbein (left), this painting by an unknown German artist was modified to resemble a work by the more famous (and highly collectable) artist.

Microscopic paint examination revealed that a layer of blue paint had been applied over the original brown background. The style of the sitter's hat had also been altered, so well that an 18th-century aristocrat had been convinced he was buying an authentic Holbein.

The Gallery acquired the painting in 1990 and conservators was able to safely remove these additions to return the painting to its original state.