The lost painting "Jesus Christ on the Cross" by the renowned Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens was sold at auction in France for an impressive €2.3 million. According to The Guardian,
the artwork, created in 1613, was discovered by auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat in a Paris estate being prepared for sale. The painting had been hidden for over four centuries.
Although the auction house anticipated a selling price of €1-2 million, it fetched €2.3 million.
Osenat emphasized that this "masterpiece" was painted by Rubens at the height of his talent in the 17th century.
"This is the very beginning of baroque painting, depicting the crucified Christ, isolated, illuminated, and strikingly highlighted against a dark and ominous sky," he clarified.
The authenticity of the painting was confirmed by German art historian Nils Büttner, known for his studies on the Flemish baroque master.
Büttner noted that while Rubens frequently painted crucifixions, he rarely depicted "the crucified Christ as a dead body on the cross."
"Thus, this is a unique painting showing blood and water flowing from Christ's side, something Rubens painted only once," the historian added.
Little is known about the work "Jesus Christ on the Cross," other than that its engraving was created by one of Rubens' contemporaries. Later historians described this engraving and registered the painting, despite never having seen it.
Peter Paul Rubens was a Flemish artist, one of the most influential masters of baroque,
known for creating altarpieces, portraits, landscapes, and large-scale historical canvases, as well as working as a designer of tapestries, engravings, and architectural projects. He managed a large workshop in Antwerp, leaving behind a vast legacy of approximately 3,000 paintings.