A masterpiece painting by Peter Paul Rubens, believed to have been lost for several centuries, has been discovered in a private mansion in Paris. The painting, titled "Christ on the Cross," measures 41.5 by 28.5 inches and was likely intended for a private collector when it was created in 1613.
Jean-Pierre Osenat, president of the auction house bearing his name, announced the extraordinary discovery on Wednesday, September 10th. "It's a masterpiece, a Christ on the Cross, painted in 1613, which had disappeared, and which I found in September 2024 during the inventory and sale of a private mansion in the 6th arrondissement of Paris," Osenat told AFP. The painting will be auctioned on November 30th in Fontainebleau.
"This is extremely rare and an incredible discovery that will mark my career as an auctioneer," he added with evident excitement. The work has been authenticated by Professor Nils Büttner, a specialist in German, Flemish, and Dutch art from the 15th to 16th centuries and president of the Rubenianum, an organization located in Antwerp near Rubens' former house-workshop that is responsible for studying his works.
Osenat recounted the emotional moment of authentication: "I was in Rubens' garden pacing back and forth while the committee of experts deliberated on the painting's authenticity when he called me to say, 'Jean-Pierre, we have a new Rubens!'" The discovery represents a significant addition to the known works of the Flemish master, who lived from 1577 to 1640.
The painting exemplifies the beginning of Baroque art, featuring Christ crucified in isolation, luminous and standing out vividly against a dark and threatening sky. Behind the rocky and verdant backdrop of Golgotha appears a view showing Jerusalem illuminated, but apparently under a storm. This dramatic contrast of light and shadow is characteristic of Rubens' mature style.
According to Osenat, the work "is a true profession of faith and a favorite subject for Rubens, a Protestant who converted to Catholicism." The painting is in "very good condition" despite its age. While Rubens created numerous works for the Church throughout his career, this particular masterpiece was probably intended for a private collector, given its intimate dimensions.
The painting's provenance has been carefully traced through historical records. It once belonged to 19th-century academic painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau before passing to the owners of the Parisian mansion where it was recently rediscovered. The work's trail was picked up from an engraving, and its authenticity was established following "a long investigation and technical examinations including X-rays and pigment analysis," the auctioneer explained.
This remarkable discovery adds another chapter to the ongoing story of lost masterpieces being rediscovered in unexpected places, highlighting the importance of careful inventory and authentication processes in the art world.
