Long-Lost Rubens Painting Fetches €2.94 Million at Auction

A remarkable painting by the renowned 17th-century Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens has resurfaced and sold at auction in Paris for €2.94 million ($5.5 million). The artwork, depicting Jesus Christ on the cross and created in 1613, significantly exceeded its estimated value of €1-2 million. The auction took place on March 15, 2024, marking a notable event in the art world.

The painting was discovered by auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat while preparing a mansion for sale in Paris last year. During the process, he uncovered the artwork and quickly recognized its potential value. Osenat described the piece as “a masterpiece” produced during a peak period of Rubens’ artistic prowess. He emphasized the painting’s significance, noting it as an early example of Baroque art.

Provenance and Authentication

The auction house, Osenat, highlighted the limited historical knowledge surrounding the painting. It is known that a peer of Rubens created an engraving of the work, which has been documented by later historians despite them never having seen the original piece. The painting eventually came into the possession of 19th-century French academic painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau and has remained in his family since.

Authentication of the painting was conducted by German art historian Nils Buttner, an expert in Flemish Baroque art. Buttner confirmed its legitimacy through various methods, including X-ray imaging and pigment analysis, which reinforced its provenance. “It’s the very beginning of Baroque painting, depicting a crucified Christ, isolated, luminous and standing out vividly against a dark and threatening sky,” Buttner stated, underscoring the artwork’s emotional and visual impact.

The painting measures 105.5 by 72.5 cm and, while many of Rubens’ works were commissioned for the Church, this particular piece is believed to have been created for a private collector. This auction not only highlights the enduring legacy of Rubens but also reflects the continuing interest and investment in classical art pieces.

As the art market evolves, the sale of this long-lost Rubens painting reinforces the value of historical works, drawing attention from collectors and historians alike. The successful auction demonstrates a strong appetite for significant art, with prices reflecting the growing demand for masterpieces from renowned artists.