Art News – June 24, 2011

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Vincent van Gogh’s self-portrait (left) with the painting of his brother Theo (right)

– Is he or isn’t he? Art researchers at Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum now believe that a work by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh—long thought to have been a self-portrait—actually depicts the artist’s younger brother Theo. If true, it would be the only known painting of Theo, who supported Vincent financially and was his lifelong confidant and friend. What do you think—is it Vincent, or could it be Theo? {via CBS News}

– QUIZ: Are you a Magritte geek? René Magritte: The Pleasure Principle opens today (thru Oct. 16) at Tate Liverpool. The Belgian surrealist is renowned for his witty images depicting everyday objects such as apples, bowler hats and pipes in unusual settings. How well do you know Magritte? Take the quiz. {via Guardian}

– On this day in art history: On June 24, 1901, Pablo Picasso‘s first major exhibition opened at a gallery on Rue Laffitte in Paris. The artist was 19 years old at the time, and unknown outside Barcelona, but had already produced hundreds of paintings. (Visit the Park West Gallery Picasso Website to learn even more about the artist.) {via History.com}