Lost Rubens Masterpiece Surfaces After 400 Years, Sells for $3.4 Million
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A long-lost painting by Peter Paul Rubens, unseen for four centuries, has been sold at auction in Versailles, France, for €2.94 million ($3.4 million) – nearly double its initial high estimate. The remarkable discovery and subsequent sale underscore the enduring allure of the Baroque master and the potential for hidden treasures within private collections.
A rare depiction of Jesus Christ on the cross, the painting was created in 1613 and represents a significant addition to Rubens’ known body of work. The artwork was unexpectedly found by auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat while preparing a private Paris townhouse for sale.
A Rediscovered Masterpiece
The painting’s journey to auction was shrouded in mystery. According to promotional materials released by the auction house, Osenat, little is known about the work’s history prior to its arrival at the townhouse. However, historians were aware of the painting’s existence through an engraving created by a contemporary of Rubens.
“It’s the very beginning of baroque painting, depicting a crucified Christ, isolated, luminous and standing out vividly against a dark and threatening sky,” a company release stated.
The painting’s authenticity was officially confirmed by Nils Büttner, a leading Rubens specialist and German art historian. This authentication was achieved through rigorous analysis, including X-ray imaging and pigment analysis.
Provenance and Unique Subject Matter
The painting’s provenance traces back to the 19th century, having been purchased by French academic painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau and subsequently passed down through generations of his family. This lineage adds another layer of historical significance to the artwork.
Interestingly, one analyst noted that Rubens typically focused on the events leading to the crucifixion of Christ, rather than the depiction of the crucifixion itself. Büttner explained that the artist more frequently portrayed the trials and tribulations preceding Christ’s death. This makes the rediscovered painting a particularly unique and valuable addition to Rubens’ oeuvre.
Auction Results and Market Impact
Osenat initially estimated the painting’s value between €1 million and €2 million. However, intense bidding on Sunday drove the final sale price to €2.94 million ($3.4 million) with buyer’s fees.
Osenat described the work as “a masterpiece” painted by Rubens “at the height of his talent.” The successful auction highlights the continued strength of the art market and the enduring demand for works by Old Master painters. The rediscovery serves as a potent reminder that significant artistic treasures may still be hidden, awaiting rediscovery.
