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Lost Rubens Masterpiece Found, Sells for Millions
30 Nov
Summary
- A lost Peter Paul Rubens painting sold for 2.3 million euros.
- The artwork was hidden for over four centuries in Paris.
- Scientific analysis confirmed its authenticity as a rare Rubens.
A recently discovered painting, identified as a work by the renowned Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens, has achieved a remarkable sale price of 2.3 million euros ($2.7 million) at auction in Versailles. The artwork, which had been hidden for more than four centuries within a private townhouse in Paris, depicts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Initially part of a French collection and believed to be from a Rubens workshop, its value was estimated at under 10,000 euros. However, thorough authentication by the Rubens committee in Antwerp and detailed scientific analysis, including microscopic examination of pigments, confirmed its status as a genuine Rubens masterpiece. Experts highlighted its unique depiction of Christ, specifically the blood and water emanating from his side, a motif Rubens painted only once.
The painting's provenance traces back to 19th-century French artist William Bouguereau before being passed down through a family. Its reappearance after being virtually lost since the early 1600s marks a significant event in the art world, underscoring the potential for rediscovering lost masterpieces.
