VERSAILLES, France (AP) — A long-lost painting by Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens was sold at auction for 2.3 million euros ($2.7 million) on Sunday in Versailles. This significant event took place as the art world was abuzz with excitement over the rediscovery of a masterpiece that had remained hidden for more than four centuries.
The painting, which depicts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, was unearthed in a private townhouse in Paris. Initially assumed to come from one of the many Rubens workshops operating during the artist's lifetime, it had been valued much lower, with estimates rarely exceeding 10,000 euros ($11,500). However, the newfound authentication of the piece has significantly raised its importance and value in the art market.
Jean-Pierre Osenat, the auctioneer responsible for the sale, expressed his initial skepticism about the painting's origins. “I immediately had a hunch about this painting, and I did everything I could to try to have it authenticated,” he recounted. His efforts paid off when the Rubens committee in Antwerp, known as the Rubenianum, confirmed its authenticity. This revelation has not only changed the trajectory of the artwork itself but also highlighted the significance of Rubens' contributions to the Baroque art movement.
Art expert Nils Büttner clarified the uniqueness of this particular painting, stating that Rubens often portrayed crucifixions but rarely presented "the crucified Christ as a dead body on the cross." This specific portrayal, showcasing blood and water emanating from Christ’s side wound, is distinct, making it the only known instance where Rubens rendered this dramatic detail.
The Osenat auction house conducted a thorough examination, which included scientific analysis that confirmed the painting's authenticity and provenance. A microscopic review of the paint layers revealed not only the expected white, black, and red pigments typically associated with flesh but also the presence of blue and green pigments. This unique combination of colors is characteristic of Rubens’ style in his depictions of human skin, further affirming the work’s validity.
Before its auction, art historians noted that this painting had virtually vanished from history in the early 1600s. It is known to have belonged to the family of William Bouguereau, a prominent 19th-century French classical painter, before passing through generations. Its journey back into the public eye represents a significant moment in art history, as lost works by renowned artists like Rubens rarely resurface.
The re-emergence of the "Crucifixion of Jesus Christ" painting has not only sparked interest among collectors but has also left a lasting impact on the appreciation of Baroque art. With its stunning depiction and rich history, this long-lost masterpiece stands as a testament to Rubens' enduring legacy.
