Susanna and the Elders panel in the manner of Rubens which sold for CHF700,000 (£564,500) at Galartis SA.
Estimated at CHF9000-12,000, a panel painted in the manner of Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) sold for CHF700,000 (£564,500) at Galartis SA in Crissier, Lausanne on May 5.
The Swiss auction house had considered the 2ft 4in x 3ft 4in (72cm x 1.02m) oil on oak panel depicting the Old Testament scene of Susanna and the Elders to be an 18th century ‘school of’ painting. However, international trade bidding suggested speculation that the work bore at least the hand of Rubens’ workshop.