Rediscovered Rubens Masterpiece Sells for Millions
A long-lost painting by the celebrated 17th-century Flemish master, Peter Paul Rubens, has been sold at a French auction for a staggering 2.94 million euros ($3.41 million). The sale, which took place on Sunday, far exceeded initial expectations, which had placed the value of the work between one and two million euros.
The Unexpected Discovery in a Paris Mansion
The remarkable artwork was unearthed by auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat last year while he was preparing a Parisian mansion for sale. The painting, depicting Jesus Christ on the cross, was created by Rubens in 1613. Osenat described the find as a 'masterpiece' produced when Rubens was at the 'height of his talent'.
Osenat's auction house was responsible for the record-breaking sale. The painting's history had been largely shrouded in mystery, known only through an engraving made by a peer of Rubens. Later historians had catalogued its existence based on this engraving without ever having seen the original work.
Authentication and Provenance of the Artwork
The painting's journey to authentication was a meticulous process. It was once owned by the 19th-century French academic painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau and had been passed down through his family. The crucial task of authenticating the work fell to German art historian Nils Buttner, a renowned expert on Flemish Baroque art.
Osenat confirmed that the painting's provenance was verified using advanced scientific methods, including X-ray imaging and pigment analysis. He elaborated on the painting's significance, stating, 'It's the very beginning of Baroque painting, depicting a crucified Christ, isolated, luminous and standing out vividly against a dark and threatening sky.'
Although Rubens was known for his many church commissions, this particular piece, measuring 105.5 by 72.5 centimetres (42 by 29 inches), was likely created for a private collector, adding another layer to its fascinating history. The sale marks a significant event in the art world, reaffirming the enduring value and appeal of Old Master paintings.
