Tau4

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Safe

Special Containment Procedures:

SCP-XXXX is to be stored within an opaque, airtight covering clearly marked to highlight the item's face and reverse. Environmental conditions are to be monitored and kept between 10-15°C and 45-55% relative humidity.

Description:

SCP-XXXX is an untitled, unsigned portrait oil painting of an unnamed woman. The subject of the painting has yet to be identified though the style and techniques used in its creation have been identified as those used in approximately 15██. The woman is presented flatteringly, in elegant but not opulent attire & stature, suggesting the subject was viewed sympathetically by its author but was not so prominent a figure as royalty or similar noble heritage.

When SCP-XXXX is viewed, its eyes at first give one the impression of "Following them around the room", appearing always to make eye contact with the person looking at it regardless of angle. Its anomalous effects manifest when the viewer looks away; personnel have observed that the image of the painting's eyes remains in their vision long after being removed from the presence of SCP-XXXX. Optical examination has yet to find noticeable damage to tissue around the eye or optic nerve in line with these complaints, however symptoms of those affected have continued indefinitely and have been worsened by subsequent exposure to SCP-XXXX.

Notably those afflicted by SCP-XXXX's anomalous effects do not report the emotional distress or upset that would normally be associated with its consequent partial or total loss of eyesight. Indeed, the greater the exposure to its effects, the more unperturbed its afflictees appear following psychological evaluation.

Incident-XXXX-1:

Incident-XXXX-1 occurred approximately one week after SCP-XXXX's arrival at Site ██. Subjects previously exposed to its anomalous effects simultaneously, across multiple sites, expressed acute distress and horror, producing [REDACTED] while clawing at their own faces and eyes.

It took several days for the common factor between those affected to become apparent and SCP-XXXX was retrieved from containment for examination. Significant damage to the painting had occurred which was later found to be due to variations in temperature and humidity causing cracking and bleeding of the oil.

Affected personnel gradually recovered from their acute distress, however their mental state has significantly deteriorated and most now display symptoms of [REDACTED]. Following several successful suicide attempts, all affected personnel have been relieved of duties and submitted to permanent on-site care.

Containment procedures for SCP-XXXX have since been amended.

Restoration

A request has been filed to attempt professional restoration of SCP-XXXX to repair the damage sustained during incident-XXXX-1. The primary argument put forward has been that the incident was a result of Foundation negligence and it is therefore the responsibility of Foundation personnel to make meaningful steps to facilitate the recovery of those affected. An alternate viewpoint is that it would at least be preferable to bring SCP-XXXX back as close to its original state as possible, however there are obvious questions as to whether it is within the Foundation's ability to restore the item's exact original state and effects.

The request is open, pending approval as of ██/██/17