Lost Rubens Painting Sold for Record Price

A lost artwork titled "Jesus Christ on the Cross" by the famous Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens was auctioned in France for a record price of €2.3 million. According to The Guardian, the piece from 1613 was discovered by auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat in a Paris estate that was being prepared for sale. The painting had been hidden for over four centuries.
The auction house expected to sell the painting for between €1 and €2 million, but it fetched €2.3 million.
Osenat noted that this "masterpiece," painted by Rubens in the 17th century, was created "at the peak of his talent."
"This is the very beginning of baroque painting, depicting the crucified Christ, isolated and dramatically illuminated against a dark and threatening sky," he clarified.
The authenticity of the painting was confirmed by German art historian Nils Büttner, known for his research on the Flemish baroque master.
Büttner pointed out that while Rubens frequently painted crucifixions, he rarely portrayed "the crucified Christ as a dead body on the cross."
"Thus, this is a unique painting depicting blood and water flowing from Christ's side, which is something Rubens only painted once," the historian added.
Little is known about the work "Jesus Christ on the Cross," other than that its engraving was made by a contemporary of Rubens. Later, historians described this engraving and registered the painting, despite never having seen it.
Peter Paul Rubens was a renowned Flemish painter, one of the most influential masters of the baroque period. He created altarpieces, portraits, landscapes, and large historical canvases, and also worked as a designer of tapestries, engravings, and architectural projects. He led a large studio in Antwerp and left behind a vast legacy of about 3,000 paintings.