And finally…priceless “lost” masterpiece turns up in Glasgow collection

The restored portrait of George Villiers, the 1st Duke of Buckingham, on public display at the city’s Pollok House stately home, has been authenticated as a Rubens by Ben van Beneden, director of the Rubenshuis in Antwerp.

Due to overpainting and centuries of dirt it was thought to be a later copy by another artist.

The painting of the duke, dressed in a doublet with an elaborate lace collar and sash, dates from around 1625, meaning it was been believed “lost” for almost 400 years.

George Villiers was a controversial figure who rose from minor nobility to become one of the favourites of James I (James VI in Scotland).

Many experts claim they were lovers, while others believe they enjoyed a close platonic friendship.

He was assassinated in 1628 aged 35 - three years after James I died.

Mr van Beneden said it was a “rare addition to Rubens’s portrait oeuvre, showing how he approached the genre”.

The painting was originally identified by Dr Bendor Grosvenor of BBC Four’s Britain’s Lost Masterpieces, who said: “The chance to discover a portrait of such a pivotal figure in British history by one of the greatest artists who ever lived has been thrillingly exciting.”

It will go on display at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow on Thursday.

And the painting will feature in the first programme of the new series of Britain’s Lost Masterpieces at 21:00 BST on BBC Four on 27 September.