"Who Does Da Vinci Smile For?", a mystery-like film that vividly exposes the dark side of the art world and the huge transactions that go on behind the scenes, will be released nationwide at TOHO Cinemas Chanter and other theaters from November 26th.

(c) Zadig Productions - FTV

In 2017, the art world was shaken by shock. A single painting, "Salvator Mundi" (commonly known as the "male Mona Lisa"), believed to be Leonardo da Vinci's last, was sold at auction for 51 billion yen, the highest price ever. But who was the buyer? This has intensified the debate over the authenticity of Da Vinci's work. This film sharply unravels the secrets surrounding this masterpiece, which has attracted worldwide interest and continues to be shrouded in mystery. It is a non-fiction film that vividly exposes everything from the hidden workings of the art world to shady financial dealings.

©Christies

■About "Salvator Mundi"

The title, which means "Savior of the World" in Latin, is said to be Leonardo da Vinci's final work, painted 500 years ago, and is a portrait of Jesus Christ. The portrait's eyes gaze out at us, the fingers of one hand are crossed, and the other is holding a transparent crystal ball. It is believed to have been painted around 1500, but its whereabouts had long been unknown.

The work, which sold for approximately 51 billion yen, the highest price in art history, has sparked much speculation about the buyer since the auction, and there is much interest as to when it will be put on public display, but its current owner and location remain a mystery.

 ©2021 Zadig Productions ©Zadig Productions ‒ FTV

■Synopsis of "Da Vinci Smiles at Whom?"

It all started with a New York art dealer's "sixth sense." There's a theory that Da Vinci has a "missing painting" depicting the savior. Seeing the painting in an unnamed auction house catalog, the art dealer had a flash of inspiration and bought it for 130,000 yen. They contacted the National Gallery in London, and after receiving expert appraisal, the gallery exhibited it as a Da Vinci work. Now that the painting has received its official seal of approval, a wide variety of people flock to buy it! They include a collector who reveals his surprising identity, a middleman who swindles his commission, a Hollywood star who is used by him, a marketer who manipulates the auction with a clever presentation, and a prince of a country rumored to be involved in international politics. Meanwhile, some even assert that the painting was created by a disciple of Da Vinci. Finally, the source of the 51 billion yen is revealed, but this marks the beginning of a new mystery that will embroil the Louvre.

https://youtu.be/yluZxec7R4M