On auction the Salvator Mundi by Leonardo

Big news from the art world! The “Salvator Mundi”, the last Leonardo Da Vinci painting still in the hands of a private collector, will be put up for auction on November 15. At the time of its discovery in 2010 the painting was defined the greatest artistic discovery of the 21st century.
As if putting back on the market a painting datable around the 1500 was not enough - which is a rare thing indeed – the painting in question is also a Da Vici. Fewer than 20 works by the Tuscan master have survived to this day, and all of them remain jealously kept in museums.
The painting depicting Jesus Christ as the world’s savior, with a clear globe in his left hand as a symbol of his universal power, was long believed to be a copy of an original piece by Leonardo until recent studies revealed its true creator.
When the work arrived in the hands of the restorers of the National Gallery in 2010, it was covered by repaintings and varnish coatings. Beard and mustache had been added later, perhaps to align the image of the Christ to the dictates of the Counter-Reformation.
During the restoration the pictorial quality of the Tuscan master emerged, and it was eventually certified authentic. According to the experts the chromatic quality is comparable to that of the Last Supper. The refined crystal globe in the hand of the Christ reflects an accurate study of optical refraction through glass, in accordance with Leonardo's scientific interests.
In occasion of this historic discovery the piece was put on display in 2011 for a exhibition dedicate to Leonardo at the National Gallery of London.
After that exhibition the work was sold privately in 2013 to the Russian entrepreneur Dmitry Rybolovlev.
But why has the lucky owner of such a rare piece of art decided to sell it after only 4 years since its purchase?
According to him, he paid too much for it. In 2013 it cost him $127 million to acquire the painting, apparently 50 million more than due. Rybolovlev later accused the art dealer Yves Bouvier of having profited from the resale price.
Now the Russian entrepreneur wants to get back at least part of what he has paid off with this auction. The work is offered with a starting $ 100 million base.
Alongside the “Salvator Mundi”, for the first time on auction there will be another famous artwork inspired by Leonardo: the monumental “Sixty Last Suppers” by Andy Warhol.
Auction specialists will be rubbing their hands together right now!