'Christ Mocked': a $28 million treasure found in a 90‑year-old woman's kitchen
The 13th-century painting 'Christ Mocked' was discovered above a stove in a French elderly woman's apartment. Surprisingly, this priceless masterpiece is now claimed by the Louvre. It is hard to believe such a treasure was on the brink of becoming trash.
Nov 24, 2023 | updated: 1:49 AM EST, November 27, 2023
The painting, attributed to the pre-Renaissance artist Cimabue, was found in the residence of the 90-year-old French lady.
During a house clean-up, the artwork was nearly disposed of. However, her family sought expert help to evaluate whether there was anything of value in the property.
Initially, the painting was thought to be worth around 400,000 euros ($5,428,000). However, following consultation with an art specialist in Paris, it turned out to be a genuine Cimabue piece valued substantially higher than suspected. The painting is worth an estimated 24 million euros ($28 million). 'Christ Mocked' is from a series of eight parts from a larger diptych, of which five are still missing.
After a lengthy journey and a detailed process, the Louvre acquired this 13th-century Florentine painting. Currently a French 'national treasure', the artwork measures ten by 8 inches.
The Parisian museum confirms that the pre-Renaissance painting will be the highlight of an exhibition in 2025. It is now one of the oldest works in its collection, and it took four years of effort to retain it in France.
