Louvre Acquires 'Christ Mocked' by Cimabue, a 'National Treasure' Found in French Kitchen

The 13th-century painting, auctioned for $26.8 million, is believed to be one of eight missing panels from a legendary multipart work.

The 13th-century painting 'Christ Mocked' by Florentine painter Cimabue, discovered in an elderly woman's kitchen in France in 2019, has been acquired by the Louvre Museum.
The painting, which was initially mistaken for a Greek religious icon, was auctioned for $26.8 million before the French government blocked its export, designating it a 'national treasure'.
The French government then raised the funds to buy the painting for the nation, keeping it within the country.
Experts believe 'Christ Mocked' to be one of eight missing panels from a legendary multipart work, five portions of which remain missing.
The painting will be displayed at the Louvre in an exhibition set to open in 2025.