It Sold for $450 Million, Then Vanished Without a Trace
When one thinks of the world's most expensive painting, the name that springs to mind is Salvator Mundi, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. This artwork was sold for a staggering 450.3 million dollars at a Christie's auction in 2017. This sale set a record in the art market that seems hard to break. Yet, what makes the painting truly intriguing is not merely its price tag. The fact that it has not been publicly displayed since its sale has rendered Salvator Mundi one of the most enigmatic pieces in the art world.
The tale stretching from $1,175 to $450 million
The modern tale of the Salvator Mundi began in a modest auction in 2005. At that time, the painting was perceived as a worn-out work possibly belonging to one of Leonardo's followers. New York art dealer Robert Simon and his team acquired the painting for a mere $1,175.
At first glance, due to the old paint on the surface, damages, and traces of restoration, it didn't strike as a grand masterpiece. However, subsequent examinations and the restoration process bolstered the idea that the painting could indeed be a Leonardo da Vinci original.
The artwork was displayed in a Leonardo exhibition at the National Gallery in London in 2011. This display dramatically increased both the value and visibility of the Salvator Mundi. The painting then changed hands, became the subject of major collector lawsuits, and consequently, developed an already controversial narrative in the art market. Christie's, on the other hand, put the artwork up for auction in 2017, marketing it under the perception of the 'Last Leonardo'.
It became the most expensive painting in art history in just 19 minutes.
On November 15, 2017, a historic bidding war for Salvator Mundi erupted at Christie's auction house in New York. The auction kicked off at a staggering $100 million and within 19 minutes, a record-breaking bid was placed. According to Christie's announcement, the painting, inclusive of the buyer's premium, was sold for an eye-watering $450,312,500, thus becoming the most expensive piece of art ever sold at an auction.
Initially, the identity of the buyer was shrouded in mystery. Subsequent reports that surfaced in the media suggested that the artwork was purchased by Prince Badr bin Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, who might have been acting on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The painting, expected to be displayed at Louvre Abu Dhabi, had its 2018 exhibition postponed. The Guardian reported that Louvre Abu Dhabi indefinitely delayed the exhibition without providing any explanation for the decision.
The painting is missing, while its authenticity remains a matter of debate.
The current whereabouts of the Salvator Mundi remains a mystery to the public. There have been reports suggesting that the painting may be held in a private collection, a storage facility, or a location linked to Saudi Arabia. However, the artwork did not make the anticipated appearance on a museum wall following its record-breaking sale in 2017. This has turned the world's most expensive painting into one of its most intriguing as well.
The authenticity of the piece is also still under debate. While some experts argue that the painting is a genuine Leonardo, others propose that it may have been heavily influenced by his workshop. Regardless, the Salvator Mundi holds a unique position in the art market, both for its staggering price and the uncertainty surrounding it.
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