Da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi Could Become Riyadh’s New Cultural Crown Jewel

Salvator Mundi, a renowned painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci and the most expensive artwork ever sold at $450 million which means “Savior of the World”, may soon be publicly displayed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The painting, acquired at a Christie’s auction in New York, was purchased by an anonymous buyer, sparking speculation about its whereabouts. The New York Times later revealed that the buyer was a Saudi prince acting on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, commonly known as MBS.

Following its sale, Salvator Mundi had not been publicly displayed, leading to rumors that it might be kept in one of MBS’s opulent residences or his yacht. However, Bernard Haykel, a Princeton University professor and close associate of the Crown Prince, recently disclosed that the painting is currently stored in Geneva.

MBS reportedly plans to feature Salvator Mundi as the centerpiece of a grand new museum in Riyadh, part of his broader Vision 2030 initiative. Haykel quoted MBS’s ambition to create a museum akin to the Louvre in Paris, with Salvator Mundi serving as a major attraction similar to the Mona Lisa.

The acquisition reflects MBS’s broader efforts to modernize Saudi Arabia, which includes easing religious restrictions and embracing cultural and social reforms. The inclusion of this iconic Christian artwork underscores his desire to position Saudi Arabia as a prominent player on the global stage.