We’ve already read of the dramatic actions of Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Salman. And now Salman’s friend Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan al-Saud has purchased the Da Vinci painting, Salvator Mundi for 450 million dollars. The painting will be displayed in the Arabian Louve in Abu Dhabi.
Notwithstanding the record purchase price, the subject matter in the painting is of striking importance. We must assume Prince Bader understood what he was buying, and also the remarkable statement the painting makes.
The painting depicts Jesus, and the title given to the painting, Salvator Mundi, means Savior of the World. In the painting Jesus raises his right hand in a sign of benediction. His left hand holds a crystal globe signifying the entirety of creation with the heavens contained within a sphere. This representation is a Renaissance era concept of the world.
What does Bader think about all this? Is it merely testament to the fact he has a lot of money? And how does it fit with the Sunni Muslim practice of denying the use of human depictions.
Interesting!
