Salvator Mundi vs. Vitruvian Man

Attribute	Salvator Mundi	Vitruvian Man
Creator	Leonardo da Vinci	Leonardo da Vinci
Subject	Jesus Christ	Proportions of the human body
Medium	Oil on walnut panel	Drawing
Year	Estimated to be around 1500	Created around 1490
Current Location	Private collection	Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice

Background

Salvator Mundi and Vitruvian Man are two iconic works of art created by two of the most renowned artists in history - Leonardo da Vinci. Salvator Mundi, which translates to "Savior of the World," is a painting of Jesus Christ holding a crystal orb, while Vitruvian Man is a drawing that depicts the ideal proportions of the human body according to the Roman architect Vitruvius. Both pieces showcase da Vinci's incredible talent and attention to detail.

Subject Matter

Salvator Mundi focuses on a religious subject matter, portraying Jesus Christ as the savior of the world. The painting captures a moment of serenity and divinity, with Christ looking directly at the viewer with a gentle expression. On the other hand, Vitruvian Man is a study of the human body and its proportions. The drawing is based on the writings of Vitruvius, who believed that the human body could be used as a model for the design of buildings and other structures.

Composition

In Salvator Mundi, da Vinci uses a symmetrical composition to draw the viewer's eye towards the central figure of Christ. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and realism, making Christ appear almost lifelike. In contrast, Vitruvian Man is a more geometric and mathematical representation of the human body. The drawing is divided into four quadrants, with the figure of a man fitting perfectly into a circle and a square, demonstrating the ideal proportions of the body.

Technique

Both Salvator Mundi and Vitruvian Man showcase da Vinci's mastery of technique. In Salvator Mundi, da Vinci's use of sfumato, a technique that creates soft, blended edges, gives the painting a sense of mystery and depth. The intricate details in Christ's face and hands demonstrate da Vinci's skill in capturing the human form. Similarly, in Vitruvian Man, da Vinci's precise lines and measurements showcase his understanding of anatomy and proportion. The drawing is a perfect example of da Vinci's scientific approach to art.

Symbolism

Salvator Mundi is rich in symbolism, with the crystal orb held by Christ representing the world and his role as its savior. The gesture of Christ's hand, with two fingers raised in a blessing, is a common motif in Christian art symbolizing Christ's dual nature as both human and divine. In contrast, Vitruvian Man is more focused on the symbolism of the human body itself. The drawing represents the harmony between man and the universe, with the proportions of the body reflecting the proportions of the cosmos.

Legacy

Both Salvator Mundi and Vitruvian Man have left a lasting legacy in the world of art and beyond. Salvator Mundi, which was rediscovered in 2005 and attributed to da Vinci, became one of the most expensive paintings ever sold when it was auctioned for $450 million in 2017. The painting's significance as a rare work by da Vinci has solidified its place in art history. Similarly, Vitruvian Man has become an iconic image representing the ideal proportions of the human body. The drawing has been reproduced and referenced in various fields, from art to science to architecture.