Introduction
A remarkable turn of events has seen the Louvre triumph in acquiring Cimabue’s painting, “Christ Mocked,” three years after losing it to a rival bidder. The artwork, discovered above a kitchen stove in France, had initially been underestimated and set aside for disposal by its elderly owner. Now valued at €24 million ($26 million), the painting is hailed as one of the oldest additions to the Louvre’s collection.
Discovery Above a Kitchen Stove
The journey of “Christ Mocked” began when an elderly French woman, unaware of its significance, contemplated discarding the artwork and sought an expert’s opinion. Initially estimated to be worth up to €400,000, the painting underwent a second examination in Paris by an art specialist who authenticated it as a genuine Cimabue. The discovery sparked international interest, leading to its eventual auction.
Auction Drama and Rival Bidders
In 2019, the Actéon auction house in Senlis, near Paris, hosted the sale of the Cimabue masterpiece. The Louvre, eager to add this rare piece to its collection, engaged in a bidding war. However, a rival bidder secured the artwork for a historic total of €24 million (including fees). The painting’s sale ranked as the most expensive medieval-era painting at auction and the eighth-highest sale for any Old Master, alongside esteemed artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael.
National Treasure and Temporary Export Ban
Recognising the significance of the painting, France’s culture ministry declared it a national treasure, imposing a temporary export ban to keep it within the country. The Louvre was granted a 30-month window to raise the necessary funds for acquisition.
Louvre’s Successful Acquisition and Future Exhibition
Despite the initial setback, the Louvre has now announced its successful acquisition of “Christ Mocked.” The museum plans to showcase the painting as the centrepiece of an exhibition scheduled for 2025. The acquisition required an “exceptional mobilisation” of patrons, who, in return, received tax exemptions. The Louvre did not disclose the exact amount raised or the specific means by which funds were obtained.
The story of Cimabue’s masterpiece, from a kitchen stove to a coveted spot in the Louvre, adds a chapter to the rich tapestry of art history, illustrating the resilience and triumph of cultural treasures against the odds.
Feature Image: Cimabue, Christ Mocked, ca. 1280. Courtesy| US Today
