Key Facts

• The painting was found wrapped in a sleeping bag and belonged to Mary-Louise Wedderburn, who inherited it from her uncle.
• Katherine Read was a successful Scottish portrait artist known for painting women and children in the 18th century.
• Experts, including art historian Charles Greig, authenticated the work by comparing it with other paintings by Read and through technical analysis.
• The portrait shows an Indian woman wearing jewelry, believed to be part of the Nawab's royal family in Madras (now Chennai).
• This painting is likely the earliest known European female artist’s portrait of an Indian sitter.
• Katherine Read was paid more than some famous male artists of her time but was later forgotten.
• The Fake or Fortune team used letters, wills, and family archives to learn more about Read and her subjects.
• The painting may soon be exhibited publicly so it can be seen by a wider audience.