The masterpiece, which hung in a French woman’s kitchen for many years, went to the Louvre (2 photos + 1 video)

A long-lost masterpiece dating back to the late 13th century is heading to the Louvre after spending years hanging in a French grandmother's kitchen.





The 25 x 20 cm painting of the Florentine artist Cimabue, also known as Cenni di Pepo, “The Mocked Christ” was rediscovered in 2019 when an elderly woman from the city of Compiegne decided to appreciate it.



Photo: Acteon auction house

The work of art was sold at auction for $26.8 million, but the French government banned its export, declaring it a “national treasure.” French Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak and Louvre Director Laurence de Car said that the painting will now hang in the most famous Parisian museum. The French government acquired the painting from the buyer.

“The Mocked Christ” and another painting by Cimabue called “Maesta” will be presented at the Louvre in 2025.