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In November 2017, the art world was stunned when an enigmatic painting of Christ called Salvator Mundi sold for a record-shattering $450 million at auction. But the painting’s backstory is equally fascinating – from its disputed origins and miraculous rediscovery to the intrigue surrounding its disappearance after the sale. This is the story of the world’s most expensive painting and the mystery that still surrounds it.
The Rarity of a da Vinci
Part of what drove Salvator Mundi’s astronomical price is the rarity of a Leonardo da Vinci painting. Da Vinci’s oeuvre only contains around 20 surviving paintings, since he was more renowned in his day as a sculptor, scientist and inventor. That scarcity imbues his paintings with a magical aura amongst art collectors and historians.
The prospect of a previously undiscovered da Vinci painting emerging is the art world equivalent of discovering buried treasure. It captures the imagination with the possibility that more of Da Vinci’s genius may still be out there, lost or misattributed. This sense of profound discovery is part of what created the speculative frenzy around Salvator Mundi when it was re-identified as an authentic da Vinci.
The Painting’s Origins
Salvator Mundi, Latin for “Savior of the World,” portrays a haloed Christ in Renaissance-era robes making a blessing gesture with one hand while holding a crystal orb. Thought to have been painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the early 1500s, possibly for King Louis XII of France, the composition was long known only through da Vinci’s sketches.
A Painting Lost to Time
The painting disappeared from historical records after the 18th century. It resurfaced in the 1900s at an estate sale, mistakenly marketed as a copy, before vanishing again. Decades later, forgotten in a Baton Rouge home, Salvator Mundi was auctioned in 2005 for just $1,175 to a group of art dealers who saw potential authenticity beneath the painting’s deteriorated surface.
An Extensive Restoration
The dealers entrusted Salvator Mundi to renowned conservator Dianne Modestini for restoration. Beneath layers of overpainting, Modestini uncovered passages resembling da Vinci’s style—including the blessing hand, which was perfectly preserved. Forensic analysis also revealed pentimenti (changes to the composition), supporting the argument that this was an original work rather than a copy.
The restoration process transformed the painting, and experts were convinced that this was Leonardo da Vinci’s long-lost Salvator Mundi. Its rediscovery was hailed as a miraculous rebirth, with global headlines celebrating its provenance and the painstaking conservation that brought it back to life.
Record-Breaking Sale and Disappearance
In 2013, Salvator Mundi was sold privately for $127 million to Swiss art dealer Yves Bouvier, acting on behalf of Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev. Four years later, Rybolovlev consigned it to Christie’s auction house in New York, where it became the centerpiece of an extraordinary bidding war. Auctioneer Jussi Pilkkanen opened bidding at $100 million as spectators held their breath. The hammer finally dropped at $450 million, obliterating the record for the most expensive painting ever sold.
The anonymous buyer, later revealed to be a Saudi prince acting on behalf of Mohammed bin Salman, added a layer of intrigue. Initially slated for display at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the painting’s unveiling was mysteriously postponed indefinitely. To this day, its location remains unknown, fueling speculation about whether doubts over its authenticity have influenced its concealment.
The Debate Over Authenticity
Despite its astronomical sale price, Salvator Mundi remains shrouded in controversy. Skeptics question whether it is a genuine Leonardo da Vinci or an over-restored imitation. The painting’s disappearance has only deepened the mystery, with some suggesting its new owners might harbor doubts about its provenance. Regardless, its journey from flea market obscurity to record-breaking auction is a testament to its enduring allure.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Allure
The fascination with Salvator Mundi underscores the unique allure of Leonardo da Vinci. A quintessential “Renaissance Man,” da Vinci’s genius extended beyond art to anatomy, botany, engineering, and more. His works, including the iconic Mona Lisa, symbolize the pinnacle of artistic achievement. For collectors, a da Vinci represents more than art—it embodies unparalleled cultural and historical significance.
A Testament to Mystery and Mastery
Salvator Mundi’s incredible path from obscurity to becoming the most expensive artwork ever sold epitomizes da Vinci’s enduring mystique. The painting’s enigmatic fate—and the debates surrounding its authenticity—mirror the unresolved mysteries of Leonardo’s life. For those dreaming of discovering a masterpiece in their attic, Salvator Mundi is a cautionary tale of the complexities surrounding art, authenticity, and value in the modern world.
📈😲Additional Facts
137 Years
Salvator Mundi was a long lost work of da Vinci from 1763 to 1900 where there were no records of the work during this time. The overpainted and poor conditions of the painting and the gap in it’s records led to speculation that this might be from Leonardo da Vinci’s studio.
10,850,000 %
The return on investment for the group that purchased Salvator Mundi at the estate sale for $1,175 and sold for $127.5 Million to the Russian art collector.
$1 Billion
The Mona Lisa is said to be priceless, but the insurance valuation on the painting in 2023 is worth $1 Billion. However the painting belongs to the French people and there is a law prohibiting it’s sale.