Rubens painting of Jesus' crucifixion, lost for a long time, sold for €2.3 million

A painting by Peter Paul Rubens, long thought lost, has been sold for 2.3 million at an auction in Versailles. The artwork, portraying the crucifixion of Jesus, remained hidden for over 400 years before resurfacing in a private Parisian townhouse.

Auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat told the Associated Press, I immediately sensed the importance of this piece and pursued its authentication tirelessly. Eventually, the Rubenianum committee in Antwerp confirmed it as an authentic Rubens.

"Crucifixion of Jesus Christ" by Peter Paul Rubens was showcased at Osenat auction house in Versailles.

Rubens scholar Nils Bttner noted that while the artist frequently painted crucifixions, it was rare for him to depict Christ as a lifeless body on the cross. He added, This painting uniquely shows blood and water flowing from Christs side, a subject Rubens painted only once.

The Osenat auction house confirmed the paintings authenticity through scientific analysis. Detailed microscopic inspection of the paint layers revealed not only white, black, and red pigments for the flesh tones, but also blue and green pigments characteristic of Rubens technique in rendering human skin.

Analysis: The Rediscovery of Rubens’ Crucifixion

The sale of Peter Paul Rubens’ Crucifixion of Jesus Christ for €2.3 million marks a significant event in the art world. Long considered lost, the painting had remained unseen for over four centuries before emerging from a private Parisian collection. Its authentication by the Rubenianum committee in Antwerp confirms the work’s historical and artistic value.

Experts highlight the painting’s uniqueness within Rubens’ oeuvre. Unlike his frequent depictions of the crucifixion, this work presents Christ as a lifeless figure, with blood and water flowing from his side—a composition Rubens is known to have painted only once. Scientific analysis conducted at the Osenat auction house verified the authenticity, identifying characteristic pigments and layering techniques consistent with Rubens’ style.

This rediscovery not only enriches the catalog of Rubens’ known works but also offers new insights into his approach to religious themes. The auction result underscores the continuing high demand for rare Old Master paintings and the role of meticulous scholarly verification in confirming provenance.

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• Long-lost Rubens painting depicting the crucifixion of Jesus sells for €2.3 million