Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece “Salvator Mundi” will be revealed at the domed Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sept. 18. The work depicts an enigmatic Christ figure holding a crystal orb, created in oil on walnut panel. Art historians consider the painting contemporary to other works by da Vinci including, the “Mona Lisa” and “La Belle Ferronnière.” The painting is made even more significant by virtue of its place among the less than 20 paintings in existence known to be da Vinci’s work.

The orb depicted in the painting has been a matter of particular fascination. Art historians speculate it represents the artist’s ability to intersect art with science and his knowledge of optics. The precise portrayal even contains crystal inclusions, represented by irregularly shaped bubbles in the bottom right of the orb. While the left hand cradles the orb, the painting’s figure holds its right hand in a gesture of benediction.

Dated to the years 1490–1515, the painting has been on a whirlwind, worldwide tour with viewings in Hong Kong, London, San Francisco and New York, and will also appear after its unveiling at the Musée du Louvre in Paris as part of a dedicated da Vinci exhibition, Oct. 24, 2019–Feb. 24, 2020.