Archive · 1 Dec 2025
Rubens' Lost Crucifixion Painting Sells for $2.7 Million
A painting by the famous artist Peter Paul Rubens, called 'Christ on the Cross,' was lost for over 400 years.
It was recently found in a house in Paris.
Experts checked it and confirmed it was really made by Rubens.
The painting shows Jesus on the cross with special lighting that makes it look very real.
It was sold at an auction for $2.7 million.
This is a big deal because the painting was thought to be gone forever.
Rubens is known for his dramatic and emotional art.
The painting is now back where people can see and enjoy it.
A lost 1613 painting by Peter Paul Rubens, 'Christ on the Cross,' was rediscovered in a Paris townhouse.
The artwork was authenticated by art historian Nils Büttner using scientific analysis of pigments and X-ray imaging.
The painting sold for $2.7 million (2.3 million euros) at the Osenat auction house in Versailles.
Rubens' distinctive style, including dramatic lighting and intense realism, was confirmed in the artwork.
The painting had been privately held by the family of 19th-century French painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau until its rediscovery.
- Who
- Peter Paul Rubens, Jean-Pierre Osenat, Nils Büttner
- What
- Rediscovery and sale of a lost Rubens painting
- When
- Created in 1613, rediscovered in September 2024, sold in 2024
- Where
- Paris, Versailles, Antwerp
- Why
- The painting was authenticated and sold at auction
- Title
- Christ on the Cross
- Artist
- Peter Paul Rubens
- Year Created
- 1613
- Size
- 105.5 cm by 72.5 cm
- Auction House
- Osenat in Versailles
- Authentication Expert
- Nils Büttner
- Rediscovery Location
- Paris townhouse