Salvator Mundi possibly purchased by Abu Dhabi's Louvre: there's a mysterious tweet

Just three hours ago, the Louvre Abu Dhabi ’s twitter profile launched a mysterious tweet in three languages announcing that the Salvator Mundi, the work attributed by many scholars to Leonardo da Vinci and which passed at auction last Nov. 15 for the sum of $450 million (a circumstance that made it the most expensive work in history) will go to Abu Dhabi(here is the link to the tweet). So was it the French-Emirati museum that purchased the precious painting? Or, as sometimes happens, to receive it as a gift from the wealthy buyer who bought it? No official confirmation comes from the museum.

In fact, the news has been retweeted by Artnet News, a leading international art publication, which has contacted both Christie’s (which retweeted the message) and Brunswick Group, the agency that manages the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s public relations. Christie’s spokesperson reportedly told Artnet that “we are pleased that the painting can be enjoyed in public again,” although they later added that “we have no further information.” Brunswick Group, on the other hand, said that no official confirmation could be made yet. In contrast, the Louvre and Louvre Abu Dhabi, which were also contacted, did not provide answers. The newspaper, however, also reports how last week the Louvre’s director, Jean-Luc Martinez, said he was looking forward to seeing the Salvator Mundi displayed alongside the Mona Lisa, and also how a Louvre spokesperson said the museum is working to secure several loans for a major exhibition on Leonardo da Vinci scheduled for 2019, the year of the 500th anniversary of the great Tuscan artist’s death.

In short: no official word yet, but all signs would seem to tie the Louvre to the work attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.

Image: Leonardo da Vinci, Salvator Mundi (c. 1499; oil on panel; 65.6 x 45.4 cm).

Salvator Mundi possibly purchased by Abu Dhabi's Louvre: there's a mysterious tweet

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.