The Louvre Museum in Paris has acquired a valuable artwork known as “Christ Mocked” by the Florentine painter Cimabue. The painting was discovered in 2019 during a house clearance in the town of Compiegne, where an elderly woman had kept it in her kitchen, mistakenly believing it to be a Greek religious icon. The artwork, measuring 10 inches by 8 inches, had been previously unknown to its owner. Art specialists Cabinet Turquin were called in to conduct tests on the painting following its discovery.
In 2019, the painting went on to be sold at auction for almost 24.2 million euros ($26.8 million), surpassing the pre-sale estimate by more than four times. However, the French government intervened to prevent its export and designated the painting as a “national treasure.” This decision ensured that the artwork remained in France for 30 months, during which time the government raised the necessary funds to acquire it for the nation.
Recently, France’s Minister of Culture, Rima Abdul Malak, and the President and Director of the Louvre Museum, Laurence des Cars, announced that the painting has officially become part of the museum’s collection. The Ministry of Culture stated that these acquisitions were made possible through the exceptional efforts of the Louvre Museum, allowing France to preserve highly sought-after works and make them accessible to the public. However, no further details were provided regarding the fundraising process.
The ministry described the painting as a “crucial milestone in art history” and emphasized its significance in the transition from religious icon to a standalone painting. Only about 15 works by Cimabue are known to exist, making this painting a national treasure of great importance, according to the ministry. It will join another Cimabue painting called “Maestà” in the Louvre’s collection. Both artworks are expected to be featured in an exhibition event in spring 2025.
Cimabue, also known as Cenni di Pepo, was born in Florence around 1240. He is credited with being the teacher and mentor of Giotto, one of the most renowned artists of the pre-Renaissance era. “Christ Mocked” is part of a diptych comprising eight scenes depicting the passion and crucifixion of Christ. Another scene from the diptych, titled “The Virgin and Child with Two Angels,” can be found at the National Gallery in London. Additionally, “The Flagellation of Christ” is housed at the Frick Collection in New York.
The acquisition of “Christ Mocked” by the Louvre Museum represents a significant addition to its collection and highlights the museum’s commitment to preserving and showcasing important artworks.
