Long-lost Rubens 'masterpiece' sells for almost €3 million

A long-lost painting by 17th-century Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens sold at auction in France on Sunday, November 30, for almost €3 million – well beyond its asking price. The work of Jesus Christ on the cross, painted in 1613, was unearthed by auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat in a Paris mansion last year.

Osenat, whose auction house sold the painting for €2.94 million against an expected €1-2 million, found the painting as he was preparing the property to be sold.