the return of Christ by Rembrandt in the church of Mas-d’Agenais

A small church in Mas-d’Agenais (Lot-et-Garonne) houses a 17th century masterpiece: the Christ on the Cross by Rembrandt. The treasure is back in the building. “When I found out there was a Rembrandt on the way, I had to stop here”, says a tourist. Rarely is Christ depicted in his representations. “Usually, Christ, we will represent him, when we represent him crucified, worthy and impassive in the face of death. Rembrandt here represents him as a somewhat puny, miserable being”observes Aude Claret, curator of Historic Monuments (CMN).

The canvas has traveled a lot. First in the Netherlands, when 25-year-old Rembrandt painted the picture. He then criss-crossed France, where he was bought in 1804 by a captain in the Napoleonic army. To own such a masterpiece, for a village of 1,500 inhabitants, is sometimes a poisoned gift. The painting, estimated at 90 million euros, notably requires an armored box. The arrival of Christ is in any case a godsend for traders. “Since Thursday, sold out”, testifies Virginie Alix, the owner of the bistro in La Halle. the Christ on the Cross is the only Rembrandt that is neither exhibited in a museum nor in a private home.