A Leonardo da Vinci painting, discovered by sheer accident at a local auction in America in 2005, is expected to sell for a record amount of money at Christie’s modern art auction. Modern Art Auction? Yes, the old master has been entered as part of Christie’s New York modern art auction.
The painting was found in 2005, practically totally disguised due to overpainting and additions. Leonardo da Vinci‘s painting ‘Salvator Mundi‘ was thought to be a copy.
Extensive restoration and research revealed the hand of the master. Da Vinci used similar techniques as in his Mona Lisa.
The only privately owned da Vinci will be sold by a family trust. Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev bought da Vinci’s ‘Salvator Mundi’ for $127.5m in 2013. The painting is expected to sell for a minimum of, but likely far more than $100m.
Philip Mould, London art dealer and well-known through his participation in the BBC’s ‘Fake or Fortune?’ tv-series, calls the inclusion of this old master in the modern art auction ‘inspired’.
He pointed out, the old masters market has seen sales prices down by roughly 40% over the past ten years. On the other hand, prices for modern art have increased. Christie’s Modern Art Auction is expected to realise an estimated collective value increase of about 46%, compared to Christie’s auction last year.
According to the Guardian and experts, including Christie’s: ‘… There is contention surrounding the condition of the painting, where restoration involved rigorous cleaning and left the piece with a ghostlike patina. Christies also found that the walnut panelling Salvator Mundi is painted on has “suffered worm infestation, which led to worm tunnelling, which weakened the wood”…‘
Interested in bidding? Think twice if you are no billionaire like Dmitry Rybolovlev. The painting is expected to sell for at least $100m or £75m.
Guardian, Hannah Ellis-Petersen: Leonardo da Vinci ‘Salvator Mundi’ goes on sale’
Guardian, Mark Brown: Da Vinci’s ‘Salvator Mundi’
