The Most Expensive Painting Ever Sold

Leonardo da Vinci's 'Salvator Mundi,' a depiction of Christ as 'Savior of the World,' had a tumultuous past before its record-breaking sale. For centuries, it was largely lost to history, often misattributed or deemed a copy. It dramatically re-emerged in 2005 from a New Orleans estate sale for a mere $1,175, heavily obscured by overpaint and prior poor restorations. Expert restorer Dianne Dwyer Modestini undertook a meticulous process, revealing what many art historians eventually believed to be the authentic hand of the Renaissance master beneath the layers of damage.

Despite its stunning transformation and inclusion in a major Leonardo exhibition at London's National Gallery in 2011, the painting's attribution remains a subject of intense scholarly debate. Proponents cite its stylistic consistency, including Leonardo's signature sfumato technique and the intricate rendering of Christ's blessing hand. However, critics question the extent of the restoration and the depiction of the non-refracting crystal orb, arguing these aspects challenge a full attribution to Leonardo.

Adding to its intrigue, the 'Salvator Mundi' has largely disappeared from public view since its unprecedented 2017 auction. Though initially slated for display at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, its current location is reportedly in storage in Geneva, awaiting a future museum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This elusive masterpiece continues to spark discussion, embodying a fascinating narrative of rediscovery, expert contention, and the high stakes of the art market.