A remarkable 400-year-old masterpiece by Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens, recently discovered by chance in a Parisian private mansion, will be displayed for the first time to the public at Saint-Louis Church in Fontainebleau. The painting, titled "Christ on the Cross" and created around 1614-1615, will be presented by the Osenat auction house on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, starting at 5 PM in the Franchard Chapel.
The discovery of this lost artwork has been hailed as a major breakthrough in art history. Jean-Pierre Osenat, the auctioneer from Fontainebleau who found the painting in 2024, described it as an exceptional work that had been missing for four centuries. Father José Antonini, the parish priest of Fontainebleau, shared his emotional reaction upon first seeing the masterpiece: "Its simple vision pierced my heart. The precision of Rubens' detail invites those who contemplate the painting to reflect on Christ's passion: art here allows the transmission of a spiritual dimension."
The authentication process for this remarkable discovery took months of painstaking scientific analysis. Catherine Polnecq, the restorer responsible for the painting's scientific examination, conducted extensive tests including pigment analysis, chemical analysis, and X-ray examinations. During the meticulous investigation, experts relied on an existing engraving of the work to help verify its authenticity. Polnecq will be present at the Fontainebleau presentation to explain the authentication process to visitors.
Jean-Pierre Osenat noted the widespread interest the discovery has generated, commenting that he has "never had so many Christ paintings brought to me for expertise since the announcement of the discovery." However, he humorously added, "But not everyone has a Rubens at home!" The auctioneer was determined to present the painting in the imperial city, stating, "People absolutely must come see it. This is a unique opportunity and especially the chance to see a work that conveys real emotion."
The public presentation at Saint-Louis Church offers a rare opportunity for both the faithful and art enthusiasts to experience this masterpiece before it goes to auction in Versailles on November 30. Visitors will be able to contemplate the work in a spiritual setting while also discovering the numerous historical and spiritual paintings that make Saint-Louis Church a museum in its own right. This preview represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness a major art historical discovery that has captivated experts and the public alike.
