Da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi: Significant & Weird

Summary

The video discusses the painting *Salvator Mundi*, the only Leonardo da Vinci artwork in private hands, which was reauthenticated as a genuine piece about 10-15 years ago. The speaker anticipates its auction at Christie's in New York for up to $150 million. Key points include Leonardo's innovative use of perspective and optics, particularly regarding the crystal orb in the painting, which intriguingly does not distort the robes of Jesus behind it. The analysis suggests that this choice signifies the miraculous nature of Christ’s presence, enhancing the painting's beauty while showcasing Leonardo's deep understanding of optics.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The painting 'Salvator Mundi' is the only Leonardo da Vinci artwork currently in private hands.
• 🕵️‍♂️ It was reauthenticated as a genuine Leonardo approximately 10-15 years ago.
• 💰 'Salvator Mundi' is set to be auctioned by Christie's in New York on November 15, with an expected sale price of $125 to $150 million.
• 📍 The painting is currently displayed at Christie's in San Francisco until November 3.
• 🔍 Leonardo employed innovative techniques, using sharpness in the hand to create a sense of three-dimensionality.
• 🌫️ The painting contrasts sharp lines with Leonardo's signature sfumato technique, softening other features.
• 🔮 The crystal orb held by Christ is noted for its scientifically accurate inclusions and lack of distortion of the robes behind it.
• ❓ The lack of distortion raises questions about Leonardo's intentions, suggesting a deliberate artistic choice.
• ✨ One possible interpretation is that the undistorted orb symbolizes the miraculous nature of Christ's shepherding of the world.
• 📖 The speaker emphasizes that the painting's artistry showcases Leonardo's deep understanding of optics and representation.

Q & A

What is the significance of the painting 'Salvator Mundi'?

'Salvator Mundi' is significant because it is the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in private hands, highlighting its rarity and the high value attributed to it in the art market.

When was 'Salvator Mundi' reauthenticated as a Leonardo?

'Salvator Mundi' was reauthenticated as a Leonardo approximately 10-15 years ago.

What event is scheduled for 'Salvator Mundi' on November 15?

'Salvator Mundi' is scheduled to go on auction at Christie's in New York on November 15.

What unique artistic technique does Leonardo use for the painting?

Leonardo employs sfumato, a technique characterized by soft transitions between colors and tones, contrasting with Michelangelo's sharper lines.

What does the sharpness of Christ's hand in the painting signify?

The sharpness of Christ's hand indicates its proximity to the viewer, illustrating Leonardo's understanding of optical perspective.

What unusual aspect does the crystal orb in the painting exhibit?

The crystal orb does not distort the robes of Jesus behind it, which is contrary to what one would expect when looking through a crystal lens.

What are the three theories proposed for the lack of distortion in the crystal orb?

The three theories are: (1) Leonardo was unaware of the distortion effect; (2) he avoided distortion for aesthetic reasons; (3) he knew about the distortion but chose to represent a miraculous quality.

How does the speaker refute claims of doubt regarding the painting's authenticity?

The speaker clarifies that while the crystal orb's properties raised questions, they do not doubt the painting's authenticity, as they provide evidence from Leonardo's notebooks supporting its origin.

What relationship does the speaker draw between the crystal orb and Leonardo's studies?

The speaker notes that Leonardo studied optics, crystal, and concave mirrors extensively, which informs the accurate representation of the crystal orb in 'Salvator Mundi.'

What does the speaker suggest about Leonardo's intentions with the painting?

The speaker suggests that Leonardo may have intentionally created a non-distorting orb to convey the miraculous quality of Christ's shepherding of the world.