A recently discovered painting "Jesus Christ on the Cross" by Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens was sold at auction in France for €2.3 million, as reported by The Guardian.
The artwork, dated 1613, was found by auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat in a Parisian estate that was being prepared for sale. The painting had been hidden for over four centuries.
Although the auction house anticipated the painting would sell for €1-2 million, it ultimately went for €2.3 million.
Osenat remarked that this "masterpiece" was created by Rubens in the 17th century "at the peak of his talent".
"This marks the beginning of baroque painting, depicting the crucified Christ, isolated and brightly illuminated against a dark and threatening 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 Flemish baroque masters.
Büttner noted that while Rubens frequently painted crucifixions, he rarely depicted "the crucified Christ as a dead body on the cross".
"Thus, this is a unique painting showing blood and water flowing from Christ's side, something Rubens depicted 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 registered the painting, despite never having seen it.
Peter Paul Rubens is a renowned Flemish artist, one of the most influential masters of the baroque era. He created altarpieces, portraits, landscapes, and large-scale historical paintings, also working as a designer for tapestries, engravings, and architectural projects. He managed a large workshop in Antwerp and left behind a vast legacy of approximately 3,000 paintings.