France Blocks Export Of $27 Million Medieval Painting Found In French Woman's Kitchen

"Officials in France are blocking the export of a remarkably rare medieval painting that was auctioned off after being discovered hanging in an elderly French woman's kitchen."

"The 10-inch panel portrait titled The Mocking of Christ by the Italian artist Cimabue, sold for nearly $27 million at an auction outside of Paris in October. A London collector purchased the piece on behalf of two unnamed collectors reportedly based in the U.S."

"But now, the French government has moved to stop the export, declaring the artwork a "national treasure" that belongs in the country in order to 'enrich our national collections.'"

"The intervention by French officials follows a miraculous discovery story."

"In September, word got out that a woman in her 90s living in northern France invited appraisers to her house to survey old furniture and other belongings before she sold her home."

"A stroll into the kitchen revealed the Cimabue painting hanging somewhat modestly above the woman's stove."

"To the woman, who has stayed anonymous, it was not anything special. In fact, she had no idea where she acquired the pioneering piece of 13th century Florentine art."