VERSAILLES – A rediscovered masterpiece by Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens, concealed for over four centuries, fetched 2.3 million euros (approximately $2.7 million) during an auction held Sunday in Versailles.

The artwork recently emerged from obscurity in a Parisian private residence. It portrays the crucifixion of Jesus Christ with striking detail.

This piece had been part of a French art collection and was originally believed to be a product of one of Rubens’ many workshops from that era. As a result, its value was often underestimated, typically appraised at no more than 10,000 euros ($11,500).

Jean-Pierre Osenat, the auctioneer, expressed his intuition about the painting’s significance to The Associated Press. “I was convinced there was more to this piece, so I pursued its authentication vigorously,” he said. Their efforts led to confirmation by the Rubenianum, the esteemed Rubens committee in Antwerp.

Prior to the sale, Nils Büttner, a Rubens scholar, noted that although Rubens frequently illustrated crucifixions, he seldom depicted Christ’s body lifeless on the cross, adding a unique dimension to this artwork.

“So this is the one and only painting showing blood and water coming out of the side wound of Christ, and this is something that Rubens only painted once.”

The Osenat auction house said the painting’s authenticity and provenance were confirmed after scientific analysis. It said microscopic examination of the paint layers revealed not only white, black, and red pigments in the areas representing flesh, but also blue and green pigments, whose use is typical in Rubens’ depictions of human skin.

Art expert Eric Turquin told a packed house the painting had virtually disappeared in the early 1600s. It is known to have belonged to 19th-century French classic painter William Bouguereau before it was passed down in the family.