Salvator Mundi: The Hidden Treasure of Saudi Arabia

The world’s most expensive artwork, Salvator Mundi, has been kept in a vault in Geneva for several years, as its owner, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, envisions it as the centerpiece of a new art gallery. The painting, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, was sold for a staggering $450 million (£360 million) in 2017, making headlines worldwide. Recent revelations from a BBC documentary clarify that the artwork has not been displayed on the crown prince’s private yacht, as previously speculated. Instead, it has remained in storage since its record-breaking acquisition. This information comes from a confidant of the crown prince, shedding light on the painting's current status and future plans. Bernard Haykel, a professor of Near Eastern studies at Princeton University, shared insights from his conversations with the crown prince. He indicated that Mohammed bin Salman has ambitious plans for the artwork, intending for it to serve as an "anchor" for a new cultural institution in Saudi Arabia. This aligns with the kingdom's broader efforts to enhance its cultural landscape and attract international attention. As the art world eagerly awaits the unveiling of Salvator Mundi, the anticipation grows regarding how this masterpiece will be integrated into Saudi Arabia's evolving art scene and what it signifies for the future of cultural investments in the region.