Tests to discover if paintings are by Constable

Technology is being used to see if the paintings match the brushwork of Constable's other works

"Groundbreaking" new methods could help establish if three further paintings by John Constable have been discovered, scientists said.

Pigments of the works are being tested at the University of Bradford to see if they were painted by the renowned 19th Century artist.

Constable, who lived between 1776 and 1837, was known for his landscape paintings of the English countryside.

One of the academics behind the research described the process as "very exciting".

The three oil paintings, named The Coming Storm, Sandpit and Norwich School, are all in the process of being verified at the university.

Technology including a CT scanner and 3D microscopy equipment are being used by forensics experts in the hope of establishing their creator.

The tests include assessing the painter's technique to see if it matches Constable's brushwork.

Once completed, the results will be passed on to the private owners of the paintings in the coming months.

Sandpit is one of three works that could be linked to John Constable

Dr Alex Surtees, a lecturer in forensic science at the university, said it would ultimately be down to art experts to give the final say - but science could offer helpful clues.

"It’s certainly very exciting," he said.

"If I can be involved in the actual verification on work being a Constable, then I would be very proud."

He added: "This is me helping the art world make a decision."

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