This painting by Leonardo da Vinci depicting Christ dates from the 1500s. The oil painting on walnut wood may not be as famous as the Mona Lisa, but it bears the characteristic style of Italy’s most famous Renaissance painter. The painting was lost for many years, and in 2005 it was bought in poor condition for $1,175 by a New York art dealer and restored in the US. It was subsequently authenticated as a genuine Leonardo by several British experts. In 2011, a Russian billionaire bought the painting for $127 million and subsequently sold it on.
On 5 November 2017, the painting was bought by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman at a Christie’s New York auction for $450 million. To date, it holds the world record for the most expensive painting ever sold at auction.
Doubts about authenticity
Nevertheless, numerous international experts continue to doubt the authenticity of the object. According to them, it was not Leonardo da Vinci himself, but one of his students who painted this incredible work. After an examination in the analysis laboratories of the Louvre to confirm the authenticity of the painting, some artistic inconsistencies remain.
This is also the reason why the Louvre does not want to include the painting in its major exhibition.
For the moment, and without official announcement, the Salvatore Mundi (Da Vinci’s last painting) is still the most expensive painting in the world.
But where is the painting currently? Supposedly, until last year, it hung in the Saudi Crown Prince’s yacht Serene. At present, the Serene is in a Dutch shipyard for overhaul, and the “Salvator” is said to have been taken to a secret location in Saudi Arabia beforehand.
So it remains exciting around the work of art….
Characteristics of the painting :
- Artist: Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
- Date of origin: around 1500
- Dimensions: 65 cm x 45 cm
- Date of sale: 2017
- Sale price: $450 million (€380 million)
- Purchaser: Mohamed Ben Salman
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