After much anticipation and art world head-scratching over what Christie's "unprecedented masterpiece" could be, the iconic auction house today unveiled a pretty epic find. Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi, a depiction of Jesus Christ, and one of less than 20 paintings by the artist, will be up for grabs during this November's Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Sale in New York.
Once owned by King Charles I, the piece was one of the last to be re-discovered in 2005, and is the only da Vinci painting owned privately in the world. At 500 years old, we're guessing this one-of-a-kind get is going to break some records - and bank accounts.
In addition to what many call the "male Mona Lisa," the auction will include a stunning Andy Warhol work - the 32-foot Sixty Last Suppers. Talk about a thematic pairing.
[Photos courtesy Getty for Christie's]