A long-lost painting by Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens , which was hidden for more than four centuries, sold for $2.7 million at an auction Sunday in Versailles.

The painting was recently found in a private townhouse in Paris. It depicts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

It was part of a French collection and was initially thought to be from one of the many Rubens workshops that existed at the time. The artwork was rarely valued at more than $11,500.

"I immediately had a hunch about this painting, and I did everything I could to try to have it authenticated," auctioneer Jean-Pierre Osenat told The Associated Press. "And finally, we managed to have it authenticated by the Rubenianum, which is the Rubens committee in Antwerp."

Osenat told AFP earlier this year the picture was "a mas

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