Introduction
This website has been created as a vehicle for the dissemination of images and technical information related to the Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci for the benefit of the scholarly community and anyone who is interested in understanding more about this painting.
With the exception of a brief period prior to the November 2017 auction at Christie’s, it has not been possible to view or study the Salvator Mundi since the National Gallery’s exhibition, Leonardo at the Court of Milan, closed in January 2012. Widespread dissemination of various images of the painting, all of which are flawed, has resulted in considerable misunderstanding. I believe that it is in the best interest of both the painting and the public to make as much information as possible available.
I have published three essays about the technique and the restoration. The first and most complete is an overview I presented at a technical symposium at the National Gallery held in January 2012, at the close of the exhibition, which was published in 2014.1 I included a more personal account as the Epilogue to my book, Masterpieces.2 When the painting was sold at Christie’s in November 2017, I wrote a brief essay for the catalogue.3 I have given numerous lectures at universities and for scholarly groups. Under the circumstances, this material is insufficient. New technical material about other paintings by Leonardo has since come to light and has informed my own understanding of the Salvator Mundi.
I have published three essays about the technique and the restoration. The first and most complete is an overview I presented at a technical symposium at the National Gallery held in January 2012, at the close of the exhibition, which was published in 2014.1 I included a more personal account as the Epilogue to my book, Masterpieces.2 When the painting was sold at Christie’s in November 2017, I wrote a brief essay for the catalogue.3 I have given numerous lectures at universities and for scholarly groups. Under the circumstances, this material is insufficient. New technical material about other paintings by Leonardo has since come to light and has informed my own understanding of the Salvator Mundi.