Rubens' Restoration Reveals Shocking Details

A recent restoration of Peter Paul Rubens' 17th century masterpiece has uncovered hidden layers of political satire that had been painted over for centuries. Conservators using advanced imaging technology discovered that beneath the surface of "The Adoration of the Magi" was an entirely different composition - a scathing caricature of European monarchs depicted as bumbling fools at a banquet. The original work, now being called "Rubens' Roast," shows King James I of England with donkey ears and the Pope wearing a jester's hat while merchants pick their pockets. Art historians believe Rubens painted over it after nearly being arrested when a preliminary sketch circulated among nobility. The restored underlayer reveals the Flemish master's true feelings about his wealthy patrons, including coded insults like making the French ambassador's nose grow when viewed through a special lens. The discovery has sent shockwaves through the art world, with one curator remarking, "This is like finding out Shakespeare wrote 'Game of Thrones' fanfiction in the margins of his plays." The museum displaying the work has installed special mirrors so visitors can view both versions simultaneously, though several European aristocrats have demanded the satirical version be covered again. Meanwhile, contemporary political cartoonists are marveling at how little has changed in 400 years of mocking the powerful.