'New' Jane Austen portrait unearthed by author

A British author is claiming to have unearthed a previously unseen portrait of Pride And Prejudice writer Jane Austen.

Dr Paula Byrne, the author of a new book on Austen, was given the portrait by her husband and recognised the long, straight "Austen nose".

There are currently just two recognised portraits of Austen - one sketched by her sister Cassandra in 1810.

The find is the subject of a BBC Two documentary scheduled for Boxing Day.

Byrne - who has previously written books on poet Mary Robinson and author Evelyn Waugh - was presented with the portrait by her husband, Shakespeare scholar Jonathan Bate, who had bought it at auction.    More Read