A previously unknown masterpiece by Baroque legend Peter Paul Rubens, discovered after being concealed for over 400 years, achieved a remarkable €2.3 million ($2.7 million) sale at a Versailles auction this Sunday. The artwork, portraying the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, was unexpectedly located within a private Parisian townhouse.
Initially dismissed as a workshop production and valued below €10,000, the painting’s fortunes changed dramatically when auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat pursued authentication. His persistence led to formal recognition by the Rubenianum, the official Rubens advisory committee in Antwerp.
Art historian Nils Büttner highlighted the work’s exceptional nature, noting that while Rubens frequently depicted crucifixions, this particular representation uniquely shows “the crucified Christ as a dead body on the cross.” Büttner emphasized its singular status as “the one and only painting showing blood and water coming out of the side wound of Christ” in Rubens’ entire oeuvre.
The auction house Osenat confirmed the painting’s authenticity through rigorous scientific examination. Microscopic analysis revealed complex pigment layers including white, black, red, plus distinctive blue and green pigments characteristic of Rubens’ skin tone techniques.
Art specialist Eric Turquin revealed to a captivated audience that the work had virtually vanished from historical records in the early 17th century. Its provenance traces back to 19th-century French classical painter William Bouguereau, remaining within his familial lineage until its recent rediscovery.