Restoring a centuries-old artwork can reveal a story. English noblewoman Diana Cecil was hailed as one of the great beauties of her time. In 1634, Cornelius Johnson painted her portrait. More than 350 years later, the organization English Heritage found out what that painting had been through over the years. Someone, probably in the 19th century, had "touched up" the portrait to give Cecil a more contemporary look. This unknown artist added more hair to her forehead, and plumped up her lips. While it may have been an attempt to make her prettier according to the standards of the day, it may have also been an attempt to repair damage the portrait sustained when the canvas was rolled up. All this was revealed under a dingy layer of varnish. Read about the restoration of Diana Cecil at Smithsonian.
(Image credit: English Heritage)