Rubens Painting Lost for 400 Years Fetches $2.7 Million at Auction

A painting by the renowned Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens, lost for over 400 years, was sold for €2.3 million ($2.7 million) at the Osenat auction house in Versailles on Sunday. The artwork, titled Christ on the Cross, was completed in 1613 but had vanished from public knowledge soon after. Its existence was only documented through engravings and reproductions until its surprising rediscovery.

The painting was found in a Paris townhouse during a routine inspection by auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat in September 2024. Osenat initially expressed uncertainty about the painting’s value, suspecting it might be merely a product of one of Rubens’ many workshops. The artist had established a large studio in which he collaborated with numerous assistants on various works.

Despite his initial hesitations, Osenat felt compelled to authenticate the painting. He took the artwork to the Centrum Rubenianum, the official Rubens committee based in Antwerp, Belgium. Following a detailed scientific analysis, the painting’s authenticity was confirmed by Nils Büttner, a German art historian and expert on Rubens.

Büttner described his excitement upon confirming the painting’s provenance. “Jean-Pierre, we have a new Rubens!” he recalled telling Osenat in an interview with the French news agency AFP. The authentication process involved a thorough microscopic examination of the paint layers, which revealed specific blue and green pigments that matched Rubens’ characteristic treatment of human skin.

Understanding the significance of this discovery is crucial, as it sheds light on a significant period in art history. The last known owner of the painting was the 19th-century French classic painter William Bouguereau. It is believed the artwork was passed down through his family over generations, remaining unseen in the art world for centuries.

Born in 1577, Rubens is celebrated as a master of the Flemish Baroque tradition, which flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries. His works are noted for their dramatic lighting, lifelike realism, and meticulous detail, solidifying his reputation as one of the greats in the history of Western art.

This auction has not only revived interest in Rubens’ work but also highlights the enduring value of classical art. With the sale closing at $2.7 million, it serves as a reminder of the powerful connection between historical art and contemporary collectors. The painting’s journey from obscurity to recognition underscores the importance of continued research and authentication within the art community.