A painting that has been hanging at California's landmark Hearst Castle for decades has been identified as a 17th century work after two guides noticed a previously undetected monogram and inscription when sunlight illuminated them last fall. "This is a major new discovery for the oeuvre of Perez," Levkoff told the newspaper. The painting depicts the Annunciation — the angel Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary that she will be the mother of Jesus. Records showed that Hearst bought the painting in 1927, but officials of the Castle, which is now part of the California state parks system, knew little else about it until last fall. Extravagant indoor and outdoor pools as well as gardens complete the estate, which is now a major tourist destination.

Source: ABC News March 09, 2018 00:33 UTC