Lost Leonardo Da Vinci Painting ‘Savior of the World’ Discovered

A previously lost Leonardo Da Vinci painting – Salvator Mundi, or “Savior of the World” – has found and restored. It is to be displayed at the London National Gallery, along with other works, for the Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan exhibition, taking place from November 9, 2011 to February 5, 2012.

The incredible masterpiece, which depicts Christ raising a right hand in blessing and the other hand holding a globe, is set on a wooden panel in oil and measures 26 by 18.5 inches – very similar in size to da Vinci’s St. John the Baptist.

Owners of this priceless work of art include, King Charles I, Charles II, and Sir Francis Cook, a British collector who was apparently unaware that it was da Vinci’s work.

According to Robert Simon, a specialists in Old Masters out of New York, the authentication process took a long time due to fact that the piece was damaged and over-painted.

So what is the estimated value for da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, a piece unearthed in what has been described as one of the greatest artistic discoveries of the century?

There is speculation that an original offer to buy the painting for $100 million was turned down by the consortium and that it is now asking for $200 million.

via TIME