Long-lost $26 million artwork discovered in kitchen makes its way to the Louvre after 4-year pursuit

The Louvre Museum in Paris has recently acquired a "national treasure" for its collection, four years after it was unearthed during a house clearance. Discovered in 2019 at the residence of an elderly woman in the town of Compiegne, "Christ Mocked" by renowned Florentine painter Cimabue had been stored in her kitchen, mistaken for a Greek religious icon.

The painting's owner, unaware of its origin, enlisted the expertise of Jerome Montcouquil from art specialists Cabinet Turquin to conduct tests on the 10-inch by 8-inch artwork after its unexpected discovery.

In Paris, on September 23, 2019, a photograph was captured showcasing a painting entitled "the Mocking of Christ" created by the renowned 13th-century Florentine artist, Cenni di Pepo, also recognized as Cimabue. The photo credits go to Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images.

The painting, dating back to 1280, was sold at auction in October 2019 for nearly 24.2 million euros ($26.8 million), exceeding the initial price estimate by more than four times. However, the French government intervened and prevented its export by granting the painting with the status of a "national treasure".

The tiny, ultra-rare painting was kept within the country for a period of 30 months, allowing the government to secure the necessary funds to acquire it for the nation. Presently, Rima Abdul Malak, the Minister of Culture for France, alongside the President and Director of the Louvre Museum, Laurence des Cars, have officially revealed that the painting is now an integral part of the museum's esteemed collection.

The Louvre Museum's exceptional efforts have led to the acquisition of a prized Cimabue masterpiece worth $26M, which was discovered in the kitchen of an elderly woman. However, France is now preventing its export, ensuring that these coveted works remain in the country and accessible to all. The ministry's statement did not disclose the specifics of the fundraising process.

The painting is hailed as a significant turning point in art history, as it represents the captivating shift from icon to painting, according to the ministry. With only approximately 15 known works by Cimabue, the ministry emphasizes that this particular painting holds immense national value and is considered a major treasure.

The medieval masterpiece discovered in a French kitchen has been sold for over $26 million. It will be displayed alongside the larger Cimabue painting "Maestà" in the Louvre collection for an exhibition event in spring 2025, as stated by the ministry.

Cimabue, also known as Cenni di Pepo, was a renowned artist born in Florence around 1240. He is credited with being the mentor and inspiration for Giotto, who is considered one of the most esteemed artists of the pre-Renaissance period.

One of Cimabue's notable works is "Christ Mocked," which forms a diptych consisting of eight scenes depicting the suffering and crucifixion of Christ.

The National Gallery in London acquired another painting called "The Virgin and Child with Two Angels" in 2000. This artwork had been lost for centuries before being discovered by a British aristocrat in his ancestral home in Suffolk. "The Flagellation of Christ" can be seen at the Frick Collection in New York.