“The Newman version has only been exhibited once before, in 1952, as part of an exhibition at the Royal Academy in London.”

“Although many of the details appeared the same in both works, close examination revealed differences, research from Chicago showed. While the eyelashes in the UK painting were created with tiny brushstrokes of light-coloured paint, those in the Chicago painting were made by scratching through dark paint while it was still wet to reveal light paint below.”

“A study by the Hamilton Kerr Institute, at the University of Cambridge, found that the UK version’s canvas and colour pigments matched those used by Rembrandt and his studio. It also found that it had the same oil-bound, double-ground layer as eight Rembrandt paintings dating from 1632 and 1633.”

“The Art Institute of Chicago said that after reviewing infrared scans, X-rays and pigment analysis, differences in the two works suggested the UK version was a workshop reproduction. But they acknowledged that 'the conversation about the purpose and authorship of these copies continues to evolve.'”

“Newman, asked whether he had always believed it to be a Rembrandt, said: 'My view is it’s always been a mystery.'”

“If it is a Rembrandt, it will go to a museum, he said.”