A lost sketchbook containing 65 drawings by Van Gogh has been discovered 130 years after he used it to perfect some of his most famous works of art, an expert has claimed, as a high-profile row threatens to rock the art world.

Prof Bogomila Welsh-Ovcharov believes she has uncovered a ledger of lost works which passed from Van Gogh’s home in Arles to its current owner without anyone realising their significance.

In an announcement billed as “truly momentous discovery”, she today told the art world she would be publishing the 65 sketches for the first time, after working for three years to verify their authenticity.