Salvator Mundi 1490 By Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi is an artwork with a fascinating and mysterious past. 

Today, it's one of the most famous paintings of Christ. Despite this, the artwork remained lost for centuries, only resurfacing in the 1990s.

So, what is the story behind this enigmatic Da Vinci Jesus painting? Here's a glimpse into its complex history.

Why did da Vinci paint Salvator Mundi?

There are very few records detailing Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi. Scholars believe King Louis XIII of France commissioned the work, however. The commission was either for himself or his consort, Anne of Brittany.

Again, the dating is uncertain, but Da Vinci probably created the work sometime between 1499 and 1510. 

Translated as "Savior of the World," Salvator Mundi is also the world's most expensive (and controversial) painting.

In the early 2000s, the National Gallery in London (UK) included the artwork in a major Leonardo exhibition. In 2011, this exhibition transformed our knowledge of Leonardo's paintings. 

After this, Christie's auction house sold the painting as an original Leonardo artwork. Previously owned by the Marquis de Fanay (since 1939), they acquired the portrait in 1999.

The genuine attribution was subsequently disputed by some specialists, however. As a result, debates about Salvator Mundi's authenticity still rage today.

What is so special about the Salvator Mundi?

Aside from the exciting story of rediscovery and re-attribution, Salvator Mundi is exceptional for its sheer skill and beauty. Many viewers report an almost religious sense of calm and serenity when face to face with the painting. 

Classic Da Vinci techniques such as "sfumato" appear on the face of Jesus Christ. Indeed, the skin tones very carefully blend into one another. This method creates a softened and hazy effect, particularly noticeable around the edges of the eyes and mouth. It's a classic Da Vinci technique, also visible in The Mona Lisa.

This Da Vinci Jesus painting also features several unusual details. For example, Christ wears ornate gold and blue robes in the Renaissance style (rather than traditional biblical clothing). 

His right hand creates the sign of the cross. In Jesus's left hand, however, he holds a crystal orb. The orb reflects Jesus's role as the world's savior, including the earth and the heavens.

How much is Leonardo da Vinci's painting worth?

Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi made headlines worldwide on 15 November 2017. It sold for a staggering $450 million at Christie's Auction House, New York. Prince Badr bin Abdullah bought the painting for Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism. 

Today, Mohammad bin Salman (Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia) owns the picture. It hangs in his private collection.

This price meant Salvator Mundi shot to the top of the most expensive paintings in the world. Considering inflation, it beats artworks such as Paul Cezanne's The Card Players (sold for $250 million in 2011) and Paul Gauguin's When Will You Marry? Gauguin's oil painting sold for just over $210 million in 1892.

Is Salvator Mundi real or fake?

There remains substantial disagreement about whether Leonardo da Vinci created Salvator Mundi. 

Indeed, several television documentaries analyze the case. The most famous is The Lost Leonardo by Andreas Koefoed, which criticizes gallery experts and institutions. Many documentaries and scholars state the artwork isn't even a skillful painting, let alone a "true" Leonardo.

Making this task even harder are the many copies of the artwork, often by students and followers of Leonardo. There are around thirty variations and copies by followers and pupils. 

In addition, the British Royal Collection holds two chalk and ink sketches of remarkable similarity. These are original Leonardo drawings. 

Leonardo da Vinci: Art Reproductions

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