Centuries-lost painting by Rubens could sell for $7.7 million

Rubens' painting Saint Sebastian Tended by Two Angels was lost for centuries and has been misidentified for nearly 300 years.

The painting " Saint Sebastian Tended by Two Angels" was identified as an original by the famous artist Rubens. (Source: Sotheby's)

After hundreds of years of being lost and misidentified, Peter Paul Rubens' painting Saint Sebastian Tended by Two Angels has resurfaced and is set to sell for £6 million ($7.7 million) at auction in July.

Painter Peter Paul Rubens was a Flemish (now Belgian - Dutch) painter. He was one of the most famous and greatest painters of the 17th century, and was a pioneer in the development of the Baroque art style.

His works are known for their mythological and religious themes, excitement and drama. Rubens used a lot of ancient wisdom in his paintings to depict the chaos and peace of his time. His famous works include many portraits and landscapes, most of which were commissioned works.

According to CNN , artist Rubens completed the painting Saint Sebastian Tended by Two Angels more than 400 years ago. In the painting, Rubens depicts the story of the Roman soldier Sebastian, who was pierced by many arrows and left for dead, but miraculously was helped by two angels and became a saint.

This is one of the works of pre-1800 European masters around the world that left an unforgettable impression on George Gordon, co-chairman of the long-standing auction house Sotheby's.

Mr. Gordon was deeply impressed when he first saw the painting at an exhibition. To him, the vibrant and energetic brushstrokes were Rubens's signature style.

According to Mr. Gordon, the former owner of the painting, the person who commissioned Rubens to paint it was likely the Italian nobleman and military commander Ambrogio Spinola. The specific time frame for the completion of this work is unknown, possibly around 1606-1608 in Italy, or around 1609-1610 in Antwerp (Belgium) after Rubens returned to his homeland.

Unfortunately, the painting disappeared from history from the 1730s until it reappeared in Missouri (USA) in 1963. It was then purchased by the current owner at auction in 2008. However, at that time, the painting was misidentified as being by French artist Laurent de la Hyre.

In April 2023, X-ray analysis revealed that the painting was the original Rubens version. Previously, it was thought that the original was in the Corsini family collection and is currently hanging in the Galleria Corsini, Rome (Italy).

Analysis shows changes underneath the final painting as Rubens first sculpted and refined his design to perfection. For example, Rubens originally painted Saint Sebastian facing away while ignoring another arrow piercing the saint's right thigh.

According to CNN , this artwork will be auctioned in London on July 5, with an estimated price of 4 million to 6 million pounds ($5.1-7.7 million).

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