Salvator Mundi

The painting “Salvator Mundi” is one of the most famous and enigmatic works attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. The history of this painting spans centuries, involving periods of obscurity, rediscovery, restoration, and intense scholarly debate.

Creation and Early History
Leonardo da Vinci:
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) is widely considered one of the greatest artists of all time. His works include “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper,” among many others.
“Salvator Mundi” (Latin for “Savior of the World”) is believed to have been painted around 1500, during the same period as “Mona Lisa.”

Description of the Painting:
The painting depicts Christ with his right hand raised in blessing and his left hand holding a crystal orb, symbolizing his role as the savior of the world and the cosmos.
Christ is dressed in Renaissance-era robes, and the painting is noted for its serene expression, meticulous detail, and use of sfumato, a technique Leonardo famously used to create soft transitions between colors and tones.

Early Provenance:
The early history of “Salvator Mundi” is somewhat obscure. It is believed to have been commissioned by or painted for Louis XII of France and his consort, Anne of Brittany, around 1500.
The painting eventually entered the collection of Charles I of England, as evidenced by a 1649 inventory of his possessions. After Charles I’s execution, the painting was sold and later returned to the royal collection during the reign of Charles II.

Rediscovery and Restoration
Rediscovery:
The painting disappeared from public view and was presumed lost for many years. It resurfaced in 1900 when it was acquired by Sir Charles Robinson as a work by Bernardino Luini, a follower of Leonardo.
In 1958, it was sold at auction for just £45, mistakenly attributed to a Leonardo follower rather than the master himself.

Restoration and Attribution:
In 2005, “Salvator Mundi” was acquired by a consortium of art dealers for less than $10,000 at a small auction in the United States. The painting was heavily overpainted and appeared to be in poor condition.
The consortium commissioned a thorough restoration and analysis by Dianne Dwyer Modestini, a noted conservator. During the restoration, layers of overpaint and varnish were carefully removed, revealing details consistent with Leonardo’s work.
The attribution to Leonardo da Vinci was supported by several leading art historians and experts, although some skepticism and debate persisted within the scholarly community.

Auction and Record-Breaking Sale
Exhibition and Publicity:
After its restoration, “Salvator Mundi” was exhibited at the National Gallery in London in 2011 as part of a major Leonardo da Vinci exhibition. This exhibition helped to solidify the painting’s attribution to Leonardo and brought it significant public and scholarly attention.

Christie’s Auction:
On November 15, 2017, “Salvator Mundi” was auctioned by Christie’s in New York. The painting fetched a record-breaking $450.3 million, making it the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction.
The buyer was later revealed to be Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al Saud, who purchased the painting on behalf of the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman.

Current Status and Controversies
Current Location:
The exact current location of “Salvator Mundi” remains uncertain. There have been reports that it may be displayed in the Louvre Abu Dhabi, but as of now, it has not been publicly exhibited since the 2017 sale.

Controversies and Debates:
The painting’s attribution to Leonardo da Vinci has been a subject of ongoing debate among scholars. While many experts affirm its authenticity, others question whether it is entirely by Leonardo or if it was completed by his workshop with some input from the master.
The high-profile sale and the painting’s mysterious whereabouts have added to the intrigue and controversy surrounding “Salvator Mundi.”

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