Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

At first glance, "Salvator Mundi" is a striking and serene portrayal of Christ as the Savior of the World. The painting captures a frontal, half-length figure of Christ dressed in luxurious, rich robes rendered with Leonardo's characteristic attention to intricate details. He is shown with his right hand raised in a gesture of benediction, while his left hand holds a transparent, crystalline orb, symbolizing his role as the master of the cosmos.

Face and Expression:

The face of Christ is contemplative and serene, with an almost otherworldly calm. His hair, a rich chestnut hue, falls in curls to his shoulders, and a similarly toned halo seems to emanate from his head. His eyes, slightly turned towards the viewer, are profound and introspective, inviting the observer into a meditative reflection.

Robes and Orb:

The robes are depicted with a luxurious blue, lined with gold and finely detailed embroidery that showcases da Vinci's mastery in rendering fabrics. The crystal orb in his left hand is perfectly transparent, showcasing da Vinci's exceptional understanding of light, shadow, and reflection. This orb is particularly noteworthy because it is an example of his advanced study of optics.

Background:

The background of the painting is simple and dark, devoid of any extraneous details, which accentuates the luminous figure of Christ, bringing focus entirely onto his divine presence. This stark contrast enhances the painting's spiritual impact.

Leonardo Da Vinci and Artistic Context:

Leonardo da Vinci, born in 1452 in Vinci, Italy, is celebrated as a quintessential Renaissance man, whose talents spanned across art, science, music, mathematics, engineering, and anatomy. "Salvator Mundi" was painted around 1500, during a mature period of Leonardo's career when he had fully developed his distinctive sfumato technique—a method that blends colors and tones to create soft transitions without harsh outlines, lending his subjects a lifelike, three-dimensional quality.

Provenance and Historical Importance:

The history of "Salvator Mundi" is as enigmatic as many aspects of Leonardo himself. It was believed to be lost for several centuries and was rediscovered and authenticated in the early 21st century. Since its rediscovery, it has captured global attention, not only because of its artistic value but also due to its mysterious provenance and the ongoing debates surrounding its attribution.

In 2017, "Salvator Mundi" was sold at Christie’s auction house for a record-breaking $450.3 million, making it the most expensive painting ever sold at auction. This monumental event underscored its status as one of the most significant artworks in the world.

Current Location:

As of the last known records, the painting is reportedly owned by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. There have been speculations about its display, but its exact current location remains somewhat uncertain. Prior to this ownership, it was widely publicized to be exhibited in various museums during its rediscovery process, including the National Gallery in London.

Integration into Leonardo's Body of Work:

"Salvator Mundi" exemplifies Leonardo's deep engagement with religious themes, human anatomy, and optics. It stands alongside other masterpieces like "The Last Supper" and "Mona Lisa," reinforcing his reputation as a master of fine detail, human emotion, and divine representation. The painting also plays a critical role in understanding the trajectory of High Renaissance art, characterized by its harmony, balance, and life-like representations.

Conclusion:

"Salvator Mundi" remains a timeless testament to Leonardo da Vinci’s unparalleled genius. Through its exquisite composition, meticulous detail, and profound emotional resonance, the painting continues to captivate audiences, embodying the intersection of art, spirituality, and science that defines the Renaissance era.