Rediscovered Rubens Painting of Jesus' Crucifixion Fetches $2.7 Million

An elusive Baroque art piece by renowned painter Peter Paul Rubens, hidden away for over 400 years, achieved an impressive sale price of $2.7 million at an auction in Versailles.

Discovered in a private residence in Paris, the artwork portrays the crucifixion scene of Jesus Christ. Initially believed to be a product of one of Rubens' many contemporary studios, it was typically appraised at mere $11,500.

"From the start, I suspected the piece's significance and pursued its authentication," stated auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat. The painting's legitimacy was eventually affirmed by the Rubenianum, the Rubens authority based in Antwerp.

Earlier this year, Osenat referred to the painting as a 'masterpiece,' asserting that it was created during Rubens' peak artistic phase. A German art historian, Nils Büttner, confirmed its authenticity, supported by scientific techniques like X-ray and pigment analyses.

Büttner elucidated that while Rubens frequently painted crucifixions, depicting Christ's lifeless form was exceptional. This is the sole painting detailing the effusion of blood and water from Christ's wound, a unique depiction by Rubens.

The authenticity was underscored by microscopic study, highlighting Rubens' distinctive use of pigments such as blue and green, along with the traditional flesh tones.

Art specialist Eric Turquin elaborated that after vanishing in the early 1600s, the painting later became part of the collection of 19th-century French artist William Bouguereau, before being passed down through the family.

Although Rubens' portfolio includes numerous ecclesiastical works, this 42 by 29 inches artwork was likely intended for private ownership.

The past few days have seen a surge in sales of prominent artists' works in auctions, with significant sums being fetched.