The Most Expensive Painting Ever Sold
The most expensive painting ever sold is Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci. It was sold at an auction by Christie's in November 2017 for a record-breaking price of $450.3 million, including fees. "Salvator Mundi" is a portrait of Christ holding a crystal orb, believed to have been painted around the year 1500. It is worth noting that the painting's attribution to Leonardo da Vinci has been subject to some debate and controversy among art experts.
Salvator Mundi, is a painting that depicts the figure of Christ as the savior of the world. In the artwork, Christ is shown facing the viewer with his right hand raised in a blessing gesture, while holding a transparent crystal orb in his left hand. The orb is believed to represent the Earth and symbolize Christ's dominion over the world.
The painting is executed in oil on a walnut panel, measuring approximately 26 inches tall. It is believed to have been created around the year 1500 during the Renaissance period. The attribution to Leonardo da Vinci is based on a combination of historical records and the stylistic characteristics of the artwork.
Salvator Mundi, is a rare artwork, as there are fewer than 20 known paintings attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. The painting's provenance, or ownership history, is also quite remarkable. It is believed to have been owned by various European royals and aristocrats before disappearing for several centuries. In 2005, the painting resurfaced and was eventually authenticated as a work by Leonardo da Vinci.
The sale of Salvator Mundi in 2017 generated significant attention and broke all previous records for the highest price paid for a painting at auction. It sparked both admiration and debate within the art world, with some experts questioning its attribution to Leonardo da Vinci and raising concerns about its condition and restoration.
Despite the controversies surrounding the painting, Salvator Mundi remains an iconic and historically significant artwork that showcases Leonardo da Vinci's mastery and influence as one of the greatest artists of all time.