A painting by renowned Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens that had been missing for approximately 400 years has been discovered and officially authenticated as genuine. The artwork, titled "Christ on the Cross," was found in September 2024 during the inventory and sale of a private villa in France, bringing excitement to the art world.
French auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat made the remarkable discovery while conducting an inventory at a private Parisian mansion. The painting, created by Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), one of the most celebrated painters of the Baroque period, had been considered lost to history for centuries. The authentication process was carried out by German art historian Nils Büttner, who is recognized as a leading expert on famous Baroque painters.
The painting measures 70 x 100 centimeters (approximately 27.6 x 39.4 inches) and is reported to be in "very good condition" according to Osenat. Based on its size, the auctioneer believes the work was originally commissioned for a private collector rather than for public display. The painting's provenance can be traced to the 19th-century academic painter William Bouguereau, after which it passed into the possession of the owners of the Parisian mansion where it was discovered.
Osenat plans to offer the authenticated Rubens painting for sale at auction by the end of November 2024. The discovery represents a significant find in the art world, as works by Rubens are highly sought after by collectors and museums worldwide. The painting's excellent state of preservation adds to its value and importance as a cultural artifact from the Baroque era.
This discovery comes at a time when the art world continues to grapple with issues of stolen and looted artwork, as evidenced by a recent case where Nazi-looted art was discovered in Argentina. The authentication of the Rubens painting through proper scholarly channels demonstrates the importance of rigorous verification processes in establishing the legitimacy of valuable artworks that resurface after centuries.
