A remarkable painting of Christ on the cross by Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens has resurfaced after disappearing for four centuries. The rediscovered masterpiece, which emerged last year, is now set to go under the hammer with an estimated value of nearly 2 million euros (approximately $2.2 million).

The painting's reappearance represents one of the most significant art discoveries in recent years, offering art historians and collectors a rare glimpse into Rubens' religious works from the early 17th century. The Crucifixion scene, executed with the artist's characteristic dramatic style and masterful use of color, demonstrates the technical brilliance that made Rubens one of the most celebrated painters of the Baroque period.

Experts have spent considerable time authenticating the work, conducting extensive research to verify its provenance and confirm its attribution to the Flemish master. The painting's four-century absence from public view has only added to its mystique and commercial appeal, making it one of the most anticipated lots in the upcoming auction season.

The discovery of this lost Rubens work highlights the ongoing potential for major art finds, as countless masterpieces remain hidden in private collections or forgotten in storage around the world. The substantial estimated sale price reflects both the rarity of Rubens works on the market and the enduring appeal of his religious compositions among international collectors and museums.