The Authenticity of Salvator Mundi: A Debate on Whether the Painting Is Truly by Leonardo Da Vinci or a Work of His Workshop

The authenticity of Salvator Mundi has been a topic of great debate among art historians, scholars, and critics. While the painting has been attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, questions remain about how much of the work was painted by the master himself and how much may have been completed by his workshop assistants. The debate centers around the style, brushwork, and overall execution of the painting, as some experts argue that certain aspects of the work—particularly in the details of the drapery and the orb—seem inconsistent with Leonardo’s typical technique.

Those who support the attribution to Da Vinci argue that the painting demonstrates characteristics that are unique to the master, particularly in the depiction of Christ’s face and the use of light and shadow. The delicate rendering of Christ’s face and the ethereal quality of his expression are often cited as evidence of Da Vinci’s touch. Additionally, the way in which the orb is painted with a translucent glow is seen as characteristic of Leonardo’s expertise in capturing reflective surfaces.

Despite these arguments, other scholars contend that Salvator Mundi was likely a work executed by Da Vinci’s workshop, with Da Vinci providing guidance and oversight but not necessarily painting the entire work himself. The differences in brushwork and the less refined details have led some to speculate that assistants, possibly under Da Vinci’s direction, completed parts of the piece.

The question of authenticity raises important issues about the nature of authorship and the collaborative process in Renaissance art, where workshops played a significant role in the creation of major works. Regardless of its authorship, Salvator Mundi remains a testament to the artistic innovations of the Renaissance period and continues to spark discussions about the boundaries of artistic creation and attribution.