For $ 450 million up for auction – and has since disappeared

From 45 to 450'000'000: The "Salvator Mundi" ("Savior of the world") by Leonardo da Vinci is the most expensive painting in the world ever to be auctioned in an auction. In November 2017, the image that depicts Jesus Christ came, the auction house Christie's in New York for US $ 450 million under the Hammer - and has since disappeared.

A month after the auction, the culture announced - and to have the tourism authority of Abu Dhabi, the painting purchased. It should be shown in the newly opened Louvre Museum in the Emirate. A for September 2018 advertised presentation was canceled before this, however, without giving reasons. Since then, it became silent. Neither of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the cultural authority responded to inquiries about the whereabouts of the artwork.

"The most expensive Flop in the world"?

experts doubt that it actually comes from the Hand of the master himself. In 1958, the picture was auctioned for only 45 British pounds. Because the history of the to 1500 incurred in oil Painting has large gaps. In an article for "time" wrote the art historian Frank Zöllner under the Heading "The most expensive Flop in the world?": "Leonardo painted the work himself, he only provided the overall design and some detail studies of his students used his ideas."

the bid remains mysterious. Arab and Western media reported that a close Confidant of the Saudi crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, the anonymous buyer was and that it was bought for the crown Prince. The rumors went so far as to declare that the Saudi Embassy in the United States urged saw, Prince Badr Al-Saud have bought the painting actually - however, in the order of the culture authority of Abu Dhabi - as a Mediator.

Since then, each track is missing from the "Savior of the world". In the French art world rumors that the painting should be on view in October at the Louvre to keep - as a Highlight of a unique Leonardo exhibition. The Louvre is Silent.

Created: 26.04.2019, 12:12 PM