Salvator Mundi

The title translates as 'Saviour of the World', a subject made popular by Northern Renaissance painters such as Jan van Eyck and Albrecht Durer. Traditionally, Christ is depicted raising his right hand in blessing, whilst his left hand holds a cross-topped orb, known as a globus cruciger. The orb represents Christ's dominion over the world, and is still used as a symbol of authority today, for example on royal regalia. This particular work is a more literal interpretation of Salvator Mundi, depicting Christ holding the earth rather than an orb. Previously attributed to various Florentine and Bolognese artists, it is now believed to be by a follower of Guercino (1591-1666), most probably the painter Benedetto Gennari II (1633-1715).