Lost Rubens Painting Auctioned for Millions

The long-lost painting "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 artwork from 1613 was discovered by auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat in a Paris estate that was being prepared for sale. The painting had been hidden for over four centuries.
Although the auction house expected the painting to sell for between 1-2 million euros, it was ultimately sold for 2.3 million euros.
Osenat described this "masterpiece", 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 starkly contrasted against a dark and menacing sky," he clarified.
According to the auctioneer, the authenticity of the painting was confirmed by German art historian Nils Büttner, known for his research on the Flemish Baroque master.
Büttner noted that Rubens frequently painted crucifixions, but rarely depicted "the crucified Christ as a dead body on the cross".
"Thus, this is a unique painting that shows blood and water pouring from Christ's side wound, which is something Rubens painted only once," the historian added.
Little is known about the work "Christ on the Cross", only that its engraving was done by one of Rubens' contemporaries. Later historians described this engraving and recorded the painting, despite never having seen it.
Peter Paul Rubens — a Flemish artist, one of the most influential masters of the Baroque. He created altarpieces, portraits, landscapes, and grand historical canvases, as well as working as a designer of tapestries, engravings, and architectural projects. He ran a large workshop in Antwerp and left a vast legacy of around 3,000 paintings.