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takyon [soylentnews.org] writes:

'Leonardo da Vinci artwork' sells for record $450m [bbc.com]

A 500-year-old painting of Christ believed to have been painted by Leonardo da Vinci has been sold in New York for a record $450m (£341m). The painting is known as Salvator Mundi (Saviour of the World).

It is the highest auction price for any work of art and brought cheers and applause at the packed Christie's auction room.

Leonardo da Vinci died in 1519 and there are fewer than 20 of his paintings in existence. Salvator Mundi, believed to have been painted sometime after 1505, is the only work thought to be in private hands.

Bidding began at $100m and the final bid for the work was $400m, with fees bringing the full price up to $450.3m. The unidentified buyer was involved in a bidding contest, via telephone, that lasted nearly 20 minutes.

Related: The Picture Under the "Mona Lisa" [soylentnews.org]
"Masterpiece" Painting Sold for $165 Million to Help Fund Criminal Justice Reform [soylentnews.org]

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