A rediscovered painting by Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ sold for €2.3 million ($2.66 million) at auction in Versailles, west of Paris, on November 30, 2025. The long-lost masterpiece attracted significant attention from collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide before finding its new owner at the prestigious French auction house.
Auction officer Jean-Pierre Osenat conducted the sale, gesturing enthusiastically as bidding progressed for the remarkable artwork. The painting's emergence at auction marked a significant moment in the art world, as works by Rubens, particularly those depicting religious themes, are highly coveted by collectors and museums alike.
Peter Paul Rubens, widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the Baroque period, was renowned for his dramatic religious compositions and masterful use of color and movement. The 'Crucifixion of Jesus Christ' exemplifies the artist's signature style, combining emotional intensity with technical brilliance that has made his works some of the most valuable in the art market.
The successful sale in Versailles demonstrates the continued strong demand for Old Master paintings, particularly those by artists of Rubens' caliber. The €2.3 million price tag reflects both the rarity of discovering previously unknown works by such masters and the enduring appeal of religious art from the Baroque era among today's collectors.
