ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Salvator Mundi Record Sale Sparks Internet Memes

market-auction · 2026-05-05

The record-breaking sale of Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi for $450 million at Christie's New York on November 15, 2017, has become a global trending topic, generating widespread media coverage and social media buzz. The auction, held during the Evening Sale of Post-War and Contemporary Art, crowned the painting as the most expensive ever sold. The news ignited debates over the work's attribution to Leonardo and inspired a wave of humorous internet memes, including versions of Christ as John Lennon, submerged in dollars, alongside Nutella and Francesco Totti. Artribune compiled a gallery of the funniest images circulating online. The article was written by Mariacristina Ferraioli.

Key facts

  • Salvator Mundi sold for $450 million at Christie's New York.
  • The sale occurred on November 15, 2017, during the Evening Sale of Post-War and Contemporary Art.
  • The painting is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.
  • It became the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction.
  • The sale became a global trending topic on social media.
  • The news sparked debates about the painting's attribution.
  • Internet users created humorous memes featuring the painting.
  • Artribune published a gallery of the funniest images.

Entities

Artists

  • Leonardo da Vinci
  • Mariacristina Ferraioli

Institutions

  • Christie's
  • Artribune

Locations

  • New York
  • United States

Sources