Salvator Mundi
by Staff Writer Owen Ayers ‘19
Salvator Mundi is a Latin phrase meaning “Savior of the World”. It came to use in the fifteenth
century as the general title for a kind of religious painting that depicts Christ with his right hand
raised, first two fingers and thumb extended in benediction, and his left hand holding a globus
cruciger (orb-bearing cross). The globus cruciger has typically been taken to symbolize Earth; the
paintings’ title emphasizes Christ’s salvation of it. In contrast to other classic depictions of Christ –
such as the Christ Pantokrator, which underscores his omnipotence, or the Pensive Christ — the
Salvator Mundi lauds his humility and martyrdom.
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Salvator Mundi is a Latin phrase meaning “Saver of the World”. It was first used over five hundred
years ago to describe a religious painting that shows Christ with his right hand raised, two fingers
and his thumb extended, and his left hand holding a sphere that has typically been taken to represent
Earth. This title points out that Christ is indeed the savior of the world. While other typical
portrayals of Christ, like the Pantokrator or the Pensive Christ, emphasize such qualities as
omnipotence and thoughtfulness, the Salvator Mundi shows his humility.
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Salvator Mundi comes from Latin and means “Saver of the Earth.” It appeared hundreds of years
ago when it was first used as a painting title. This painting shows Jesus with his right hand up and
his left hand holding a globe. The title means that God saved the world. There are other classic
paintings of Jesus that invoke other characteristics, but this version is notable because it is unusual
in its depiction of humbleness.
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Salvator Mundi means Earth saver. It is the title of a painting that was painted many centuries ago.
In this painting, Jesus Christ is holding up his right hand while a glass sphere is in his left hand. The
title references the fact that He saved the world. Other types of drawings of Christ are known but
are not as famous and thus are excluded from this listing.
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Salvator Mundi is the title of a late-fifteenth or early-sixteenth century painting by Leonardo da
Vinci. The painting represents an exquisite example of Renaissance iconography and is the only
known da Vinci in private hands. It is set to hit the auction block later this month.
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Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Salvator Mundi is expected to fetch north of $100 million at this
week’s Christie’s auction. This is a once-in- a-lifetime opportunity for the discerning collector.
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da Vinci’s masterwork sold for $450M today at Christie’s. The art world is thrilled with this result.
