Julianne Moore, the renowned actress known for her diverse roles and accolades, is set to star in a new TV series about the restoration and controversial sale of Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi. This series draws inspiration from the 2021 documentary "The Lost Leonardo," directed by Andreas Koefoed and distributed by Sony Pictures. Moore will portray Dianne Modestini, the conservator who played a pivotal role in the painting's restoration and was adamant about its authenticity as a genuine Leonardo. The series will delve into the painting’s intricate history, from its purchase by art dealers Alexander Parrish and Robert Simon at a New Orleans auction for $1,500 to its eventual sale for $450.3 million at Christie’s in New York in 2017, making it the most expensive item ever sold at auction.
The project is being developed by Studiocanal, the Picture Company, Entertainment 360, and Requa and Ficara’s Zaftig Films, with Moore also serving as an executive producer. John Requa and Glenn Ficara, who previously directed Moore in "Crazy, Stupid, Love," will helm the series. Salvator Mundi first caught the art world’s attention when Parrish and Simon identified it as a potential Leonardo work despite its poor condition and previous restorations. They enlisted Modestini to restore the painting, and she became convinced of its authenticity due to its stylistic similarities to the Mona Lisa.
The series will also explore the controversies surrounding the painting’s sale and authenticity. Notably, some experts and art scholars, including Frank Zöllner, have questioned whether parts of the painting were actually done by Modestini. Additionally, the series will cover the legal battles involving Russian collector Dmitry Rybolovlev, Swiss freeport magnate Yves Bouvier, and the alleged involvement of Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammed bin Salman as the final buyer.
Selena Mattei