The most expensive painting in the world, "Salvator Mundi", on the yacht of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman: report

Since being sold at a record $ 450 million, the fate of "Salvator Mundi", allegedly painted by Leonardo da Vinci, has become one of the biggest mysteries of the world of art. On Monday, London art dealer Kenny Schachter, 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 emerging from darkness, blessing the world with one hand while holding a transparent globe in the world. other, has never been exhibited in public, which has raised doubts about his property, his place of residence and his authenticity.

Art experts are divided on the authenticity of the painting, claiming that it was not painted by the Italian master personally but by his studio. The Wall Street Journal first announced that the painting had been purchased by Saudi Prince Badr bin Abdullah, who acted on behalf of the Saudi Crown Prince, known by his MBS initials. Riyadh has never confirmed nor denied this report.

AFP could not 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. " [19659004] But citing several sources including two involved in the sale, Schachter claims that the painting "was taken away in the middle of the night in the MBS plane and transferred to his yacht, the Serene"

. He asked "what damage could cause occasional splashing of seawater?"

Schachter later wrote that the painting would remain on board the huge yacht until its move to the Al-Ula governorate, which Saudi Arabia seeks to turn into a cultural destination. and tourist.