Dutch researchers have unearthed what they believe to be the only painting of artist Paul Gauguin by Vincent Van Gogh.

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam says the painting, Man in a Red Hat, is a very "significant" and "fascinating" work.

The work had been stored in the museum basement since 1973, as it was thought to be a painting that Van Gogh had bought.

However the museum is undertaking a investigation into their collection and say they have proved that this is a genuine Van Gogh.

Investigation

The museum's Heidi Vandamme told BBC News Online it was a major find.

"People have asked us why, after all this time, do we find out this is a Van Gogh?" said Vandamme.

"We are undergoing a huge investigation into our collection and we are establishing a major catalogue of his work.

"It maybe a bit modest of us, but if a gallery has never had a Van Gogh and discovers one, it is a major find, but it is not too much for us."

Gauguin was invited to move in with Van Gogh in 1888. They hoped to start an artists' community in Arles, Southern France together.

However their friendship deteriorated as Van Gogh's fragile mental state worsened.

At one point, just before Christmas 1888, Van Gogh tried to attack Gauguin.

Distraught

The assault was unsuccessful and in his despair, Van Gogh cut off part of his ear.

He then wrapped it in a cloth and handed it to a prostitute.

Gauguin was so distraught that he left for Paris, while Van Gogh died two years later from a self-inflicted bullet wound.

Van Gogh's life story was made into a 1956 film called Lust for Life, starring Kirk Douglas as the artist.

The actor has been asked to open the Van Gogh and Gauguin exhibition at the Van Gogh Museum, which starts on 9 February.