A long-lost painting by Rembrandt has been rediscovered and authenticated by experts after its whereabouts were unknown for decades.

Rembrandt's "Vision of Zacharias in the Temple," from 1633, was excluded from a list of the Dutch master's works in 1960 and disappeared after being sold to a private collector the following year.

It resurfaced when its owners presented it for testing at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which conducted a two-year examination.

Rijksmuseum director Taco Dibbits said, "When I saw it in our studio after restoration, I was immediately struck by the incredible power it has."

The museum confirmed authenticity after studying the paints, which match those used by Rembrandt during that period, and the painting technique and layer buildup, comparable to his other early works. The signature is original, and the wooden panel dates from the correct period.

The painting will be put on public view from Wednesday. Its value is unknown, but the world record auction price for a Rembrandt painting is £20 million, set in 2009.

Rembrandt created the painting at age 27. It depicts the biblical scene where priest Zacharias is told by the Archangel Gabriel that, despite their age, he and his wife will have a son, John the Baptist.

The museum said Rembrandt gave the biblical story an innovative twist by only suggesting the presence of the Archangel Gabriel rather than depicting him visibly.

Source: www.bbc.com