Salvator Mundi (Saviour of the World) by Leonardo da Vinci, one of only 16 paintings in existence generally accepted as from the artist’s own hand, is being offered for auction on November 15 at Christie’s in New York.

 ‘Salvator Mundi is a painting of the most iconic figure in the world by the most important artist of all time,’ says Loic Gouzer, Chairman, Post-War and Contemporary Art at Christie’s in New York.

In the painting, Leonardo presents Christ as he is characterised in the Gospel of John 4:14: ‘And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the World.’

In the opinion of this writer the eyes are alive, full of depth, and hypnotic – unlike anything achieved by any other painter, ever.

Painted around 1500 at about the same time as the Mona Lisa, it is expected to bring U$100 million at auction.

Mike Priaro, P.Eng.

Calgary

403-281-2156