A long-lost painting by Peter Paul Rubens, depicting the biblical story of Saint Sebastian being cared for by two angels, is set to make waves in the art world when it heads to auction this July. The artwork, painted over 400 years ago, had its origins obscured for nearly three centuries, but modern technology and diligent research have now confirmed its authenticity. Sotheby’s London will auction the piece, estimating its value between £4,000,000 and £6,000,000 ($5 million to $7.7 million).
The painting’s ownership history is as intricate as its story. It was originally owned by Ambrogio Spinola, the first Marquis of Los Balbases from Genoa, a prominent patron of the arts who was closely linked with Rubens. It’s likely that Spinola commissioned the painting, which was either created in Italy or Antwerp between 1606 and 1610, during Rubens’ frequent travels between Genoa and Antwerp. The painting remained in the Spinola family, passed down through generations until 1733, when it was last recorded in the possession of Anna, Duchess of Archos, who lived in Madrid. After her death, the artwork disappeared from the historical record for nearly two centuries.
In the 20th century, the painting resurfaced in St. Louis, Missouri, where it was mistakenly attributed to the French artist Laurent de la Hyre. But the path that led the painting from Spain to Missouri remains a mystery. Sotheby’s believes that the artwork likely passed out of the Spinola family after Anna’s death, perhaps inherited by female descendants, before vanishing from traceable history.
In 2008, the painting was sold at an auction in St. Louis for just $40,000, still attributed incorrectly to de la Hyre. This sale drew attention to the painting’s missing provenance, prompting art scholars to take a closer look. Upon closer examination, they recognized undeniable similarities to Rubens’ works, leading to its identification as a long-lost masterpiece by the famed Flemish artist.
Initially, experts thought the work might be a copy of another Rubens painting, Saint Sebastian Tended by Angels, which is housed in the Galleria Corsini in Rome. However, in 2021, the two paintings were compared side by side, and it became clear that the newly discovered piece was the original, with the Corsini version being a later reproduction. X-ray analysis further confirmed the authenticity of the newly surfaced painting.
The artwork captures the dramatic moment when Saint Sebastian, a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity, is saved by two angels after being shot with arrows. Rubens’ portrayal is rich in color and movement: dark, ominous clouds swirl in the background, while flowing fabrics and shimmering armor enhance the sense of action. The saint’s armor is carefully placed beside the tree, adding to the scene’s realism.
X-ray scans have provided insight into Rubens’ artistic process, revealing early drafts of the composition. Originally, Saint Sebastian’s torso was turned differently, and his body positioned further to the left. Additionally, small alterations are visible in the work, such as changes to the placement of an arrow in the saint’s thigh and a slight adjustment to the kneeling angel’s wing.
One of the most intriguing elements of the painting is the armor lying on the ground, which recurs in several of Rubens’ other works, including The Elevation of the Cross. The armor appears in a drawing from Rubens’ Costume Book at the British Museum, highlighting the artist’s fascination with historical armor.
This rediscovery, aided by modern research and technology, has reignited interest in Rubens’ work. The upcoming auction of this extraordinary painting promises to be an exciting and highly anticipated event in the art world.
