Where is Salvator Mundi? World’s Most Expensive Painting Set to Become Saudi Arabia’s Crown Jewel in Billion-Dollar Museum Gamble
Leonardo da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi” has been a focal point of intrigue and controversy in the art world since its record-breaking auction in 2017. The painting, which depicts Christ in a serene pose, was sold for a staggering $450 million at Christie’s, making it the most expensive artwork ever auctioned. However, since its sale, the painting has vanished from public view, sparking speculation about its whereabouts.
Recent reports suggest that the painting may resurface as the centerpiece of a new museum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The buyer, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, initially kept his identity secret, leading to rumors about the painting’s location. Some speculated it was aboard MBS’s luxury yacht, while new information indicates it has been stored in a vault in Geneva since its purchase.
The planned museum in Riyadh aims to showcase “Salvator Mundi” as a cultural landmark that will attract visitors from around the world. However, the painting’s association with MBS has sparked both excitement and controversy, with some questioning Saudi Arabia’s motives in showcasing the artwork. The painting’s authenticity as a work of Leonardo da Vinci has also been debated, with some experts disputing its attribution.
Despite these controversies, “Salvator Mundi” remains a coveted piece of art, with its potential display in a Saudi museum marking the end of its mysterious journey. As Saudi Arabia expands its cultural ambitions under MBS’s leadership, the painting symbolizes the intersection of art, politics, and power. Whether it will fulfill its role as a cultural icon in the new museum remains to be seen, but its story has already secured its place in art history.
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Matteo Fiorelli is an alumnus of the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze in Italy, where he earned his degree in Painting and Visual Arts. His vibrant, abstract works draw inspiration from the Renaissance and modern street art, merging classical techniques with urban influences. Matteo has exhibited his paintings in galleries throughout Italy and France.