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Since being sold for a record $ 450 million, the location of "Salvator Mundi", allegedly painted by Leonardo da Vinci, has become one of the world's greatest mysteries. ;art.
Monday, London-based art Dealer Kenny Schachter, who was writing for the Artnews website, gave answers: the painting now resides on the gigantic yacht belonging to the mighty Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Since his record sale at Christie's in 2017, the painting in which Jesus Christ is pictured coming out of darkness, blessing the world with one hand while holding a transparent globe in the other , has never been exposed in public, raising doubts about his property, his place of residence and his authenticity.
Many art experts are divided on whether the painting is authentic, claiming that it was not painted personally by the Italian master but by his studio
The Wall Street Journal first announced that the painting had been purchased by Saudi Prince Badr bin Abd Ullah, who acted on behalf of the Saudi Crown Prince, known as his MBS.
Riyadh has never confirmed or denied this report.
AFP was able to corroborate Schachter's chronicle and, recalling the opacity of international art sales, he wrote: "In the murky waters of the Middle East, nothing is perfectly clear.
But, citing several sources, including two involved in the sale, Schachter claims that the painting "was washed away in the middle of the night in the MBS plane and transferred to his yacht, the Serene. "
After stating that the painting was originally found in fragments and had to be rebuilt prior to his auction, he asked," What harm could cause an occasional splash of seawater? " ? "
Schachter later wrote that the painting would remain aboard the gigantic yacht until it was transferred to Al-Ula Governorate, which was the only place where it would be used. Saudi Arabia wants to transform itself into a cultural and tourist destination.
First publication:
June 11, 2019 8:15 am IST
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