Art lovers believe they may have found proof time travel is real after spotting an iPhone in a 350-year-old painting. The picture, the work of Dutch painter Pieter de Hooch showing a quaint domestic scene, is so convincing even Apple’s CEO seemingly thinks it shows an iPhone.

The supposed image of an iPhone – centuries before the devices were first created – can be seen in the hands of a man standing to the right of the picture according to conspiracy theorists. He is holding a small object, while a couple of women and dogs look on.

On first glance, the art does not look to be much different from any other painting in the Amsterdam museum where it is on display – it looks typical of a 1670s creation.

But on closer inspection, the figure at the forefront of the painting appears to be holding an iPhone, even though Apple’s first iPhone was not released until 2007.

Image:

Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

And when Apple boss Tim Cook saw the painting on a trip to Amsterdam in 2016 he was struck by the similarity.

Sharing his amazement at a press conference held the day after his visit, he even shared his discovery with the audience.

When quizzed about where and when the iPhone was invented, Cook replied: “I always thought I knew when the iPhone was invented, but now I’m not so sure anymore.”

After showing a photo of the painting to the amazed audience, he added: “It’s tough to see but I swear it’s there.”

And the uncanny photo has left art fans wowed once more after Cook’s comments resurfaced when another painting that should not – but seemingly does – include an iPhone hit the headlines.

‘The Expected One’ is rumoured to show someone holding an iPhone, despite the age of the 1860 painting.

But the suggestion the artist knew about iPhones was quickly debunked by experts, who say the painting actually shows a prayer book.

Like its younger counterpart, the Dutch artwork’s mystery can also be explained away, in bad news for conspiracy theorists.

According to the artist’s own description of his work, the painting does not show an iPhone but a letter, and it is hard to suggest he meant for the item to be anything else, when you realise the piece is titled: ‘Man Handing a Letter to a Woman in the Entrance Hall of a House.’

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