The lost painting "Jesus Christ on the Cross" by Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens was sold at auction in France for 2.3 million euros. This was reported by The Guardian.
The work, dating back to 1613, was discovered by auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat in a Paris estate that was being prepared for sale. The painting had been hidden for more than four centuries.
The auction house expected the painting to sell for between 1 and 2 million euros, but it ultimately fetched 2.3 million euros.
Osenat mentioned that this "masterpiece", painted by Rubens at the height of his talent in the 17th century, is significant.
"It represents the beginning of baroque painting, depicting the crucified Christ, isolated and illuminated against a dark and threatening sky", he clarified.
According to the auctioneer, the painting's authenticity was confirmed by German art historian Nils Büttner, known for his research on the Flemish baroque master.
Büttner noted that Rubens often painted crucifixions but seldom depicted "the crucified Christ as a dead body on the cross".
"Thus, this is a unique painting that shows blood and water flowing from Christ's side wound, and this is something Rubens painted only once", the historian added.
Little is known about the work "Jesus Christ on the Cross", except that its engraving was made by one of Rubens' contemporaries. Later historians described this engraving and recorded the painting, even though they had never seen it.
Peter Paul Rubens was a Flemish artist and one of the most influential masters of baroque. He created altarpieces, portraits, landscapes, and large historical canvases, and also worked as a designer of tapestries, engravings, and architectural projects. He led a large workshop in Antwerp and left behind a vast legacy of around 3,000 paintings.