Long-Lost Rubens Masterpiece, 'Christ on the Cross,' Fetches $3.41 Million at Versailles Auction

The long-vanished Baroque canvas by Peter Paul Rubens, titled “Christ on the Cross” and dating back to 1613, has secured a new owner. The sale took place at the Osenat auction house in Versailles on November 30, 2025. The painting commanded a final price equivalent to $3.41 million USD, which translates to 2.94 million euros once buyer’s premium and fees were factored in.

This significant artwork, depicting Christ’s body post-crucifixion, was previously known to art historians only through engravings made shortly after its creation. The piece had effectively disappeared from public view almost immediately following its completion. The serendipitous rediscovery occurred in September 2024 during a routine appraisal of a Parisian mansion that was being prepared for sale.

Initially, the auctioneer, Jean-Pierre Osenat, mistakenly attributed the painting to the artist’s workshop rather than Rubens himself. This initial misidentification could have drastically suppressed its market value, potentially limiting bids to as low as 11,500 euros. Fortunately, the true identity of the painter was yet to be revealed.

Subsequent comprehensive scientific analysis confirmed the masterpiece’s authenticity. This rigorous examination included advanced techniques such as radiography and detailed pigment testing. A pivotal role in verifying the work was played by Professor Niels Büttner, a leading authority on the Flemish master from the Centrum Rubenianum in Antwerp. Experts highlighted the painting’s unique qualities; it stands as the sole known crucifixion scene by Rubens to prominently feature the side wound from which blood and water flow—a motif rarely employed by the artist.

The painting’s provenance traces back to the nineteenth century, when it was acquired by the French academic painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau. His descendants kept the canvas safe for generations, entirely unaware of its true historical and monetary worth. Osenat’s initial estimate for the work was set conservatively, ranging up to $2.33 million (1–2 million euros), but the final hammer price decisively surpassed this projection.

Measuring approximately 105.5 by 72.5 centimeters, experts suggest the canvas was likely intended for a private collection rather than a grand cathedral setting, given its scale. The reappearance of this artwork, known for four centuries mainly through contemporary prints, serves as a potent reminder that the annals of art history still hold untold treasures. This successful transaction marks one of the most notable recent achievements for Osenat, an auction house known for its specialization in Old Masters.