SEE THIS MASTERPIECE HERE IN SEPT
Salvator Mundi by Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci at Christie’s in central London. The Louvre Abu Dhabi will unveil the 500-year-old painting, the world’s most expensive work of art to date at $450.3 million, on September 18. “Lost and hidden for so long in private hands, Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece is now our gift to the world,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism. —
abu dhabi — Finally, Lovre Abu Dhabi is all set for the much-anticipated unveiling of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece Salvator Mundi or Saviour of the World.
On Wednesday, the officials announced that the 500-year-old artwork of one of history’s greatest and most renowned artists, and the Italian master painter’s final work to enter into a cultural institution’s collection, will be unveiled on September 18.
Salvator Mundi is one of fewer than 20 known surviving paintings by the Italian Renaissance master.
Mohamed Khalifa Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCTA), told Khaleej Times that having the magnificent artwork in the hands of the UAE, is certainly a monumental moment in the history of art.
“This is a very exciting moment for Abu Dhabi, as we welcome the world to witness the unveiling of a masterpiece by one of the most important artists in history in Abu Dhabi.”
He said Salvator Mundi highlights Abu Dhabi’s mission to promote a message of acceptance, and openness. “Having spent so long undiscovered, this masterpiece is now our gift to the world and we look forward to welcoming visitors from across the globe to witness its beauty, when it is unveiled at Louvre Abu Dhabi in September 2018.”
Al Mubarak pointed out that the painting was acquired by DCT Abu Dhabi as it represents the work of one of the “most influential figures of all time.”
He added that Leonardo da Vinci broke away from the artistic standards of his day, thus guided generations of artists after his time. “He is among the most influential
This masterpiece is now our gift to the world and we look forward to welcoming visitors from across the globe to witness its beauty, when it is unveiled at Louvre Abu Dhabi.” Mohamed Khalifa Mubarak,
chairman, DCTA
artists in history, having left a significant legacy not only in the realm of art, but in science as well, each discipline informing his mastery of the other.”
Al Mubarak said Abu Dhabi is quickly blossoming into a hub for art and culture, and will continue to do so. “Since the establishment of the first museum in the UAE in Al Ain after the unification of our nation, Abu Dhabi has seen major milestone moments in the development of this cultural hub, such as the opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi, the acquisition of Salvator Mundi,
and the ongoing development of Saadiyat Cultural District.”
After its unveiling at the Louvre Abu Dhabi in September Salvator Mundi is scheduled to be loaned by Musée du Louvre in Paris, where it will form part of the Leonardo da Vinci exhibition, which will run from October 24, 2019 to February 24, 2020.
However, Salvator Mundi will return to Abu Dhabi after the exhibition, and will be on display again at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.