Leo Martínez
The Salvator Mundi, or Savior of the World, is a painting believed to have been painted by Leonardo da Vinci around 1500. The painting depicts Jesus Christ in Renaissance attire, making a gesture of blessing with his right hand while holding a crystal orb in his left. The painting has a controversial history and has been the subject of debate among art historians and critics, with some believing it to be a genuine work by da Vinci, while others consider it a copy or a workshop painting. The painting was sold for a record-breaking $450 million at Christie's auction house in 2017, making it the most expensive work of art ever sold at auction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of creation | c. 1499–1510, or c. 1500, or after 1500 |
| Artist | Attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, but disputed |
| Medium | Oil on walnut panel |
| Dimensions | 25 13/16 x 17 7/8 inches (65.6 x 45.4 cm) |
| Provenance | Bought by British collector Francis Cook in 1900; sold at auction in 1958; bought by Basil Clovis Hendry Sr. before 2005; bought by art dealers Alexander Parish and Robert Simon in 2005; sold to Yves Bouvier in 2013; sold to Dmitry Rybolovlev |
| Exhibition history | National Gallery, London, 2011–2012; Louvre Abu Dhabi (planned but cancelled) |
| Sale history | Sold at Christie's auction house in 2017 for $450.3 million; sold again in 2018 to Saudi Arabian prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan al-Saud, acting for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The painting's authenticity is debated
The authenticity of the painting Salvator Mundi, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, has been the subject of much debate among art critics, historians, and scholars. The painting, which depicts Christ as the Saviour of the World, is believed to have been created around 1500. It was sold at an auction in 2017 for $450.3 million, making it the most expensive artwork ever sold. However, the painting's attribution to Leonardo has been questioned, with some arguing that it may be the work of one of his pupils or followers.
One of the main points of contention is the extensive restoration that the painting has undergone, which has made it difficult to assess the quality of the original work. Some experts believe that the restoration may have altered the painting's composition and that it prevents a definitive attribution to Leonardo. The painting's condition and obscure provenance have also been cited as reasons for the debate, as the work disappeared from records between 1763 and 1900.
Several scholars and critics have expressed doubts about the attribution, noting that the depiction of Jesus differs from Leonardo's characteristic style. They argue that the composition is stiff and lacks the twisting poses typically seen in Leonardo's work. Additionally, they question the unconvincing representation of the glass globe in Jesus' hand, suggesting that Leonardo, with his extensive scientific studies, would have known about the optical phenomenon that would occur with a solid glass globe.
On the other hand, supporters of the painting's attribution to Leonardo point to specific elements within the work that match the Renaissance master's technique. These include the use of sfumato, the reflection in the orb, the styling of the drapery, and the careful rendering of Christ's curly hair. The former co-chairman of old master paintings at Christie's, Nicholas Hall, stated that there is an "extraordinary consensus" that the painting is by Leonardo.
The debate over the authenticity of Salvator Mundi has persisted despite technical analyses and studies conducted since 2011. Some scholars have argued that the painting may have been created in Leonardo's workshop or with the help of his assistants, rather than solely by the master himself. The controversy surrounding the painting has even sparked the interest of filmmakers and playwrights, with several documentaries and a Broadway musical in production exploring the history of Salvator Mundi.
Mastering the Art of Paint Drip on Tumblers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It was sold for \$450 million in 2017
On 15 November 2017, Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi was sold for $450 million at Christie's in New York. The painting was sold to Saudi Arabian Prince Badr bin Abdullah, who allegedly made the purchase on behalf of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism. The sale broke the world record for the most expensive painting ever sold at public auction.
The auction started at $100 million and lasted just under 20 minutes, with the final price being reached after a jump bid of $400 million. The winning bid was $450,312,500, including buyer’s premium. The sale price was more than four times the painting's estimate of $100 million.
Salvator Mundi, which translates to Saviour of the World, is an oil painting on a walnut panel. It depicts Jesus Christ in Renaissance attire, making a gesture of blessing with his right hand, while holding a crystal orb in his left. The painting is believed to have been created around 1500 and is one of only 20 surviving paintings accepted as originating from Leonardo da Vinci's hand.
The attribution of the painting to Leonardo da Vinci has been a subject of debate among scholars and critics. While some consider it an original work by the artist, others believe he may have only contributed certain elements, or that it was painted by one of his pupils. The extensive restoration the painting has undergone has made it difficult to determine its true authorship conclusively.
Finding Your Chevrolet Silverado 1500's Paint Code
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It was restored and exhibited in 2011
Salvator Mundi, a painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, was restored and exhibited in 2011. The painting, which depicts Jesus Christ, was thought to have been created between 1499 and 1510.
The restoration process began in 2006 and was undertaken by Dianne Dwyer Modestini, a senior research fellow and conservator at New York University. The painting had been damaged by previous restoration attempts and was in poor condition when it was acquired by its new owners in 2005. Modestini's restoration was extensive, and some have even called the painting a contemporary work and a "masterpiece by Modestini".
In 2011, the restored painting was exhibited at the National Gallery in London as part of a show devoted to its putative creator, Leonardo da Vinci. The exhibition caused excitement as it was the first attribution of a painting to Leonardo in over a century. The painting was on display from November 2011 to February 2012 and was then held at the Dallas Museum of Art for the remainder of the year.
The attribution of the painting to Leonardo da Vinci has been a subject of debate among scholars and critics. While some consider it an original work by Leonardo, others believe he only contributed certain elements, and some propose that the extensive restoration prevents a definitive attribution. Curators and scholars who defend the attribution to Leonardo cite the use of sfumato, the reflection in the orb, the styling of the drapery, and the careful rendering of Christ's curly hair as matching the Renaissance master's technique.
Transforming Cork Boards with Chalkboard Paint
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It was commissioned by King Louis XII of France
The Salvator Mundi, or 'Savior of the World', is a painting attributed to the Italian High Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci. It is believed to have been painted between 1499 and 1510, or c. 1500.
Other possible patrons have been suggested, including Leo X, Isabella d'Este, Hungarian king Matthias Corvinus, and Charles VIII of France.
The painting depicts Jesus Christ in Renaissance attire, making a gesture of blessing with his right hand, while holding a crystal orb in his left, representing his role as Salvator Mundi and the 'celestial sphere' of the heavens.
The Salvator Mundi was long thought to be a copy of a lost original, veiled with overpainting. It was rediscovered, restored, and included in an exhibition of Leonardo's work at the National Gallery in London in 2011-2012. The restoration revealed several distinctive features of Leonardo's oeuvre, including the use of sfumato, the reflection in the orb, the styling of the drapery, and the careful rendering of Christ's curly hair.
In 2017, the painting was sold at Christie's in New York for $450.3 million, becoming the most expensive work of art ever sold at auction. However, the attribution of the painting to Leonardo da Vinci has been disputed by some leading specialists, who argue that the extensive restoration prevents a definitive attribution.
Art in the 1880s: Exploring the Trends and Techniques
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It was bought by a Saudi prince
In 2017, Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi" sold at auction for $450 million, shattering records and captivating the art world. This event threw the painting into the spotlight and raised questions about its journey and ownership. After the auction, the painting's whereabouts became a mystery, with rumours and speculation adding to the intrigue.
The painting's path after the auction is an intriguing part of its history. It was bought by Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al Saud, a Saudi prince and a relative of Saudi Arabia's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. The purchase was made through a proxy, adding a layer of secrecy to the transaction. This already mysterious painting's post-auction fate became even more veiled. The use of a proxy is not uncommon in high-profile art sales, offering a level of privacy and protection for the buyer.
The Saudi prince's purchase of "Salvator Mundi" added to the Middle East's growing collection of notable Western art. The region has become a hub for art, with museums and galleries showcasing renowned works. The prince's acquisition contributed to this cultural shift, bringing a significant piece of Western art history to the Middle East. The painting's sale also sparked discussions about the role of art in diplomacy and the potential for art collections to be used as a form of soft power.
The prince's motivations for purchasing the artwork remain a subject of speculation. The painting's religious subject matter, a depiction of Christ, is particularly intriguing given the predominantly Muslim context of Saudi Arabia. Some have suggested that the purchase could be interpreted as a gesture of religious tolerance or even a potential shift in the country's cultural policies. Others see it as simply an addition to a growing collection of valuable and prestigious artwork.
The "Salvator Mundi" has become a cultural ambassador of sorts, with its journey reflecting the intersection of art, politics, and diplomacy. The painting's record-breaking sale and subsequent ownership by a Saudi prince have only added to its fame and the air of mystery that surrounds it. The story of "Salvator Mundi" continues to evolve, capturing the public's imagination and securing its place in art history.
The Saudi prince's acquisition of "Salvator Mundi" marked a significant chapter in the painting's journey, contributing to its allure and the ongoing fascination with this iconic work by Leonardo da Vinci. The painting's sale and ownership have sparked conversations about art, power, and cultural diplomacy, adding to the rich narrative that surrounds "Salvator Mundi."
Milsig Paint Guns: How Do They Measure Up?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Salvator Mundi is believed to have been painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1499 and 1510, with some sources stating it was completed around 1500.
Salvator Mundi was commissioned by King Louis XII of France, with some sources stating it was commissioned for him and his consort, Anne of Brittany.
Salvator Mundi was sold to an anonymous buyer in 2017 and was to be exhibited at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, but the museum later announced that it would not be displaying the painting, citing "technical and logistical challenges".
Salvator Mundi sold for a record-breaking \$450.3 million, making it the most expensive work of art ever sold at auction.
