A long-lost painting by Peter Paul Rubens, a dramatic crucifixion scene dated to around 1614–15, was discovered among the possessions of a deceased Parisian homeowner during a routine appraisal. Auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat identified the work and consulted Rubens expert Nils Büttner, who confirmed its authenticity through x-ray imaging and pigment analysis. The painting sold at auction on November 30 for €2.3 million ($2.7 million), exceeding its presale estimate of €1–2 million.
The discovery matters because it adds a previously unknown masterpiece to Rubens's known oeuvre, one that was previously only documented through engravings. The work's excellent condition and its confirmation by the Centrum Rubenianum underscore its significance for Baroque art scholarship. The sale also reflects sustained strong demand for religious works by Old Masters at auction, with similar Rubens paintings recently selling for $1–5 million.