Rubens Masterpiece Rediscovered After 400 Years, Fetching $2.7 Million at Auction

A long-lost depiction of the Crucifixion by the renowned Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens has been unveiled at the Osenat auction house in Versailles, near Paris.

PARIS — Considered lost for over four centuries, this remarkable artwork was recently found.

A hidden gem attributed to Rubens was unexpectedly discovered in a Parisian residence, leading to its sale for 2.3 million euros ($2.7 million) at an auction in Versailles last Sunday.

This exquisite painting, completed in 1613, disappeared soon after. Its presence lingered only in the form of engravings and reproductions by other artists, until it resurfaced during a routine evaluation by auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat in Paris.

"An absolute masterpiece," Osenat remarked upon realizing the magnitude of his find, noting its impressive preservation.

Initially uncertain of its true origin, there was speculation that the painting might be a product of one of Rubens' many collaborative studios.

However, Osenat's instinct suggested the discovery was more significant than it seemed.

"I pursued all avenues to confirm its authenticity," Osenat explained.

Seeking expert validation, he presented the work to Antwerp's Centrum Rubenianum. After rigorous scientific scrutiny, Nils Büttner, a German art historian and Rubens authority, confirmed its authenticity. Büttner recounted delivering the momentous news to Osenat:

"Jean-Pierre, this is indeed an undiscovered Rubens," Büttner remarked, as reported by AFP.

The confirmation involved detailed analysis, including microscopic evaluation of the paint layers, which showcased pigments indicative of Rubens' unique handling of skin tones.

The painting's last verified owner was 19th-century French classical painter William Bouguereau, from whom it was subsequently inherited.

Peter Paul Rubens, born in 1577, rose to prominence as a key figure in Flemish Baroque art, celebrated for his dramatic realism and intricate detail.