Quite how it ended up among paintings by Shepperson is still something of a mystery, although it has been suggested that Shepperson was a modest collector.

这幅画究竟如何最终出现在谢泼森的画作之中仍然是一个未解之谜，尽管谢泼森被认为是一名谦虚的收藏家。

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The work came to light when a descendant of Shepperson put a number of his paintings up for sale in August 2010.

CNN: Newly-discovered Velazquez portrait sells for $4.7m

"Portrait of a Gentleman" came to light when a descendant of 19th century painter Matthew Shepperson put a series of paintings by the artist up for sale in August 2010.

CNN: Previously unknown Velazquez portrait discovered

"Portrait of a Gentleman" was originally thought to be by 19th century British artist Matthew Shepperson -- but the change of attribution meant it sold for 10, 000 times its original estimate.

CNN: Newly-discovered Velazquez portrait sells for $4.7m