Wolfgang Beltracchi: The Return of Salvator Mundi

Wolfgang Beltracchi, a painter and legendary art forger, has released a new series of paintings titled "The Greats" as digital artworks using NFT technology. The collection started with the painting "Salvator Mundi," attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, which was sold in 2017 for $450 million. Beltracchi created hundreds of versions of the motif in different styles, playing with the symbolism of the disputed painting. This book combines photography of Beltracchi's studio with a documentation of the collection, featuring insights from experts in art, philosophy, and finance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2023
Publisher: Scheidegger und Spiess AG, Verlag

Wolfgang Beltracchi, a renowned painter and legendary art forger, has embarked on a new chapter in his career. The centerpiece of his latest work is an extensive series of paintings titled "The Greats," which have been transformed into digital artworks using NFT technology. This captivating project began with the acquisition of the iconic "Salvator Mundi," a painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, which was sold at an auction at Christies in New York in 2017 for a staggering $450 million to an unknown buyer.

Beltracchi delved deep into the study of this masterpiece, meticulously creating hundreds of variations of the motif across various artistic styles, ranging from high renaissance to pop art. He even portrayed Jesus in the persona of Mick Jagger or Mao Zedong. The result is a mesmerizing game of deception, challenging the authenticity of the disputed painting and its profound symbolism.

To complement this artistic exploration, this comprehensive book features a captivating blend of photographic insights into Beltracchi's daily life in the studio, courtesy of renowned Swiss photographer Alberto Venzago. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive documentation of "The Greats" collection. Contributions from esteemed scholars, philosophers, journalists, finance executives, cryptocurrency experts, art dealers, and Venzago himself enrich the text, offering diverse perspectives on the phenomenon of this extraordinary artist.

The book concludes with a thought-provoking conversation between Beltracchi and Swiss writer and philosopher René Scheu, further illuminating the enigmatic nature of this remarkable artist and his profound impact on the art world.

In summary, Wolfgang Beltracchi's "The Greats" series represents a groundbreaking fusion of art and technology, challenging the boundaries of creativity and authenticity. Through his meticulous craftsmanship and innovative approach, Beltracchi has reimagined the concept of artistic ownership and created a captivating masterpiece that continues to intrigue and inspire.

Dimension: 320 x 240 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783039421428