Early Rubens painting expected to sell for millions in Paris auction

 An early battle painting by Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens is set to go under the hammer in Paris and is expected to fetch at least 2 million euros ($2.3 million).

Titled "The Battle of the Amazons," the painting dates from around 1603–1606, when Rubens was working in Italy. It depicts a violent clash between Amazon warriors and Greek soldiers, with densely packed figures, rearing horses and raised weapons filling the canvas.

David Nordmann, auctioneer of Ader auction house that is co-organising the sale, said the painting was produced during Rubens’ youth and reflects the artist’s early ambition and energy.

The battle scenes of Rubens, who is more commonly known for his religious pieces, appear rarely in French auctions.

Art expert Philippine Motais de Narbonne, from auction co-organiser Cabinet Turquin, said the painting is typical of Rubens’ style during his residence in Italy, as it shows numerous small figures in varied poses and a strong focus on anatomy, movement and colour contrasts.

The piece goes on auction on June 16 at Paris' Hotel Drouot, with an estimated price of between 2-3 million euros ($2.3-3.45 million).

The sale will also include a previously unseen panel painting by Italian Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina, a portrait of a saint that dates to around 1476–1477, expected to fetch between 1-2 million euros ($1 .15-2.3 million).

Production: Ardee Napolitano, Lauren Bacquie/Reuters