Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci

Salvator Mundi
c. 1499-1510
Oil on walnut panel
45.7 x 65.7 cm

The "Salvator Mundi" is an enigmatic and controversial painting traditionally attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, although this attribution remains debated. The work depicts a half-length figure of Jesus Christ as the savior of the world, holding a transparent orb in his left hand and raising his right hand in a gesture of benediction.

The "Salvator Mundi" is believed to have been commissioned by King Louis XII of France in the early 16th century. It was subsequently owned by several prominent collectors before being rediscovered and restored in the 20th century. The painting gained international fame in 2017 when it sold at auction for a record-breaking $450.3 million, making it the most expensive painting ever sold (at the time of writing this blog).

The "Salvator Mundi" has been praised for its technical mastery, realism, and emotional intensity. However, its attribution to Leonardo da Vinci has been questioned by some art historians, who have raised concerns about its condition and possible overpainting. Regardless of the controversy, the "Salvator Mundi" remains one of the most iconic and valuable paintings in the world.

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Photo: By Leonardo da Vinci - Getty Images, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64103353