Most Expensive Painting
The art world has seen countless masterpieces change hands for astronomical sums, but one painting holds the record for the highest auction price ever achieved: Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci. This Renaissance artwork, depicting Christ as the “Savior of the World,” is believed to have been painted around 1500 and was rediscovered in 2005 after centuries of being considered lost or misattributed.
Measuring 45 by 65 centimeters, Salvator Mundi portrays Jesus in a blue Renaissance robe, holding a crystal orb in his left hand while raising his right in blessing. Its captivating gaze, mysterious history, and rarity—there are fewer than 20 paintings widely accepted as being from Leonardo’s hand—have contributed to its extraordinary value.
In November 2017, the painting was sold at Christie’s in New York for a staggering $450.3 million, purchased by a buyer acting on behalf of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This record-breaking sale far surpassed any previous auction price for artwork. The painting’s journey from obscurity to global fame included restoration, scholarly debates about authenticity, and exhibitions that attracted massive public attention.
Despite its record-setting sale, Salvator Mundi remains shrouded in mystery. Questions about its condition, original details, and even whether Leonardo painted it entirely by himself continue to intrigue art historians. Today, its exact location is uncertain—rumors suggest it may be stored on a Saudi yacht or in a secure location in the Middle East. Regardless of where it resides, Salvator Mundi has secured its place in history not only as a masterpiece but as a symbol of the immense financial and cultural power of the art market.
