The presumed photo of Vincent van Gogh shows Brother Theo

A photograph that was previously one of only two records of Vincent van Gogh actually shows his brother Theo. The Van Gogh Museum has announced it in Amsterdam today. For a long time, the experts had badumed that the black and white portrait showed the Dutch painter Vincent as a 13-year-old boy.

However, after doubts were expressed about the boy's identity, the Van Gogh Museum commissioned a thorough investigation. This came to the conclusion that this is in truth for Vincent's younger brother, Theo, who was 15 years old in the photo. The two brothers looked alike, but according to the museum, Theo had finer facial features and brighter eyes.

The great-grandson is "surprised"

Vincent's 13-year-old picture was shown for the first time in 1957 at an exhibition organized by a Belgian researcher. The catalog explicitly indicates it as "Portrait of Vincent van Gogh (circa 1886)".

"With this discovery, we have less illusion and portrait of Theo," said museum director Axel Rutger. "When I learned that it was probably a picture of my great-grandfather, I was surprised," said Willem van Gogh, rear-back grandson of Theo, advisor to the museum's board of directors. "But I'm glad this puzzle is solved."