The "incredible" discovery was made possible after an X-ray study of the painting "Portrait of a Peasant Woman" made in 1885 by Van Gogh, ahead of an exhibition in Edinburgh devoted to Impressionism.
The portrait was discovered on the back of the work, covered by layers of glue and cardboard which, it seems, had been added before an exhibition in the early 20th century.
“When we first saw the radio, of course we were super excited,” says Lesley Stevenson, curator at the museum.
“Such moments are incredibly rare”
"Such moments are incredibly rare," said Frances Fowle, curator at the National Galleries of Scotland.
“We have discovered an unknown work by Vincent Van Gogh, one of the most important and popular artists in the world”.
Vincent Van Gogh is known for reusing canvases to save money.
The self-portrait shows a seated bearded man with a hat and scarf around his neck.
His left ear - which the painter cut off in 1888 - is clearly visible.
During the exhibition, which will be held from July 30 to November 13, visitors will be able to admire the work, reproduced by radiography.
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The museum is now considering how to remove the glue and separate the two works without damaging them.
