Pentimento

Pentimento (according to the online dictionary) - "An underlying image in a painting, as an earlier painting, part of a painting, or original draft, that shows through, usually when the top layer of paint has become transparent with age."

This painting of Queen Elizabeth I was done by an unknown artist in the late 16th century.

Around her hand it appears that there was originally something other than what she is currently holding. Sources claim that she was originally holding a coiled snake and it was painted over to show the nosegay that she is holding now.

(http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/5028)