Long-Lost Rubens Painting Fetches €2.94 Million at Auction

A significant piece of art history resurfaced today when a long-lost painting by the renowned 17th-century Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens sold at auction in Paris for €2.94 million (approximately $5.5 million). The painting, depicting Jesus Christ on the cross and completed in 1613, exceeded its estimated value of €1 million to €2 million during the auction conducted by Jean-Pierre Osenat.

The artwork was discovered last year in a Paris mansion while Osenat was preparing the property for sale. He described the piece as “a masterpiece” and emphasized that it was created at a time when Rubens was “at the height of his talent.” The painting’s rediscovery has captured attention, especially given its uncertain history prior to the auction.

According to promotional materials from the auction house, very little was known about the painting until its recent authentication. The only reference to it in historical records was an engraving made by a peer of Rubens, which had led historians to catalogue its existence despite no visual documentation of the original work. The provenance of the painting traces back to William-Adolphe Bouguereau, a 19th-century French academic painter who acquired it and passed it down through his family.

Authentication was conducted by Nils Buttner, a German art historian recognized for his expertise in Flemish Baroque art. Buttner confirmed the painting’s legitimacy through various methods, including X-ray imaging and pigment analysis. He noted that the piece represents the early stages of Baroque painting, featuring a crucified Christ that stands out against a dark, dramatic sky.

The dimensions of the painting are 105.5 by 72.5 centimeters, and despite Rubens’ extensive work for the Church, this piece was likely intended for a private collector. The auction’s outcome highlights the enduring value and intrigue of Rubens’ work, as well as the continuing interest in art from this pivotal era in history.

As the art world reflects on this sale, it serves as a reminder of the hidden treasures that may still await discovery in private collections and forgotten spaces. The successful auction not only underscores the significance of Rubens’ legacy but also the dynamic nature of the art market today.