Salvator Mundi to Anchor Future Saudi Museum, Says BBC
Typically attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, the world's priciest painting would be tasked with drawing people to Riyadh, the way the Mona Lisa brings people to Paris.
Leonardo da Vinci, Salvator Mundi (c.1500). Oil on walnut. 45.4 × 65.6 cm. Public Domain.
The Salvator Mundi became the most expensive work ever sold at auction when it was purchased for U.S. $450 million at Christie's New York in 2017. The Renaissance painting of Jesus Christ, whose title translates to 'Saviour of the World', hasn't been seen by the public since.
A new report from the BBC says the painting has been in storage in Geneva since it was purchased by a proxy of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).
Bernard Haykel, Professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University and a friend of MBS, quotes MBS as saying, 'I want to build a very large museum in Riyadh. And I want an anchor object that will attract people, just like the Mona Lisa does.'
The article was written by Jonathan Rugman, a consultant producer on the BBC documentary The Kingdom: The world's most powerful prince (2024).
Rugman concludes that MBS's purchase of the Salvator Mundi 'tells us much about how he thinks, and his willingness to be a risk-taker, unafraid to be out of step with the religiously conservative society that he governs. And above all, determined to outplay the West in conspicuous displays of power.' —[O]
