Lost Rubens masterpiece discovered in Paris mansion

French auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat discovered a lost 1613 masterpiece by Peter Paul Rubens titled “Christ on the Cross” while conducting an estate inventory at a Paris mansion in September 2024.
The 105.5 by 72.5 centimeter painting depicts a crucified Christ against a dark sky and represents “the very beginning of Baroque painting,” showcasing Rubens at the height of his artistic powers.
German art historian Nils Büttner, chairman of the Centrum Rubenianum in Antwerp, authenticated the work through X-ray imaging and pigment analysis after extensive research.
The painting was previously owned by 19th-century French academic painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau before passing to the mansion owners where it was rediscovered.
The masterpiece will be auctioned on November 30, 2025, marking what Osenat calls “an extremely rare and incredible discovery that will define my career as an auctioneer”.

A long-lost masterpiece by Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens has emerged from the shadows of a Parisian mansion, setting the art world abuzz with excitement. French auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat discovered the 1613 painting “Christ on the Cross” during a routine estate appraisal in September 2024 in the prestigious 6th arrondissement of Paris.belganewsagency

The 105.5 by 72.5 centimeter oil painting, depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ against a dark and threatening sky, represents what Osenat describes as “the very beginning of Baroque painting”. The work showcases Rubens’ mastery at the height of his artistic powers, featuring a luminous Christ figure isolated against an ominous backdrop with a view of illuminated Jerusalem in the distance.lemonde

Authentication and Expert Verification

The painting’s authenticity underwent rigorous scrutiny by German art historian Nils Büttner, chairman of the prestigious Centrum Rubenianum in Antwerp, which serves as the definitive authority on Rubens research. Büttner, who is currently working on the comprehensive Corpus Rubenianum catalogue raisonné, authenticated the work through X-ray imaging and pigment analysis.lemonde

Osenat vividly recalls the moment of confirmation: “I was in Rubens’ garden, pacing back and forth while the committee of experts deliberated on the authenticity of the painting, when Büttner called me to say: ‘Jean-Pierre, we have a new Rubens!'”brusselstimes

The painting was previously known to scholars only through historical engravings, making this discovery particularly significant for Rubens research. It will be included in the forthcoming Addenda and Corrigenda of the artist’s catalogue raisonné, cementing its place in the official record of his works.columbiagorgenews

Historical Provenance and Market Implications

Unlike many of Rubens’ commissioned church works, this painting was likely created for a private collector. Historical records suggest it once belonged to 19th-century French academic painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau before passing to the owners of the Parisian mansion where it was discovered.belganewsagency

The artwork will be offered at Osenat’s auction house in Fontainebleau on November 30, 2025, though no price estimate has been disclosed. Recent Rubens religious paintings at auction have typically sold for between $1 million and $5 million, according to market data.lemonde

Osenat describes the find as “an extremely rare and incredible discovery that will define my career as an auctioneer,” emphasizing both the painting’s exceptional condition and its significance as “a true profession of faith” by Rubens, who converted from Protestantism to Catholicism.belganewsagency