Overview
- Maison Osenat sold Le Christ en croix on November 30 for €2.3 million, or €2,940,798 with fees, after a crowded bidding session in Versailles.
- The painting surfaced during a succession inventory in a Paris hôtel particulier, identified by auctioneer Jean‑Pierre Osenat about a year ago.
- Infrared reflectography and high‑resolution imaging revealed authorial changes, including a repositioned torso, indicating an original rather than a copy.
- Microscopic study found uncommon blue and green pigments in the flesh tones, supporting authentication by Dr Nils Büttner of the Centrum Rubenianum.
- Dated 1613 and measuring about 105.5 × 72.5 cm, the work links in provenance to William‑Adolphe Bouguereau and was exhibited in Versailles before the sale after opening at €500,000 on a €1–2 million estimate.