This mid-18th-century German oil painting depicts Christ as Saviour of the World.

With his right hand raised in blessing and left hand on the globe, it’s an iconic image. The globe is surmounted by a cross and known as the ‘globus cruciger’. Northern painters such as Jan van Eyck and Albrecht Dürer popularised the theme.

Over the centuries the composition has varied and in certain versions we see Christ holding an orb in the palm of his hand. In 2011, one such work was famously attributed to Leonardo da Vinci and sold for $450.3 million.

This particular piece was probably commissioned by a church in Germany. It’s unusual as we can’t find another version which is directly comparable. It’s possibly after an earlier engraving, although none can be found that match.

A beautiful historic work with an extraordinary presence.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 36½” x 42½” / 93cm x 108cm
Year of creation: c. 1750
Provenance: Private collection, Germany.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Craquelure but the paint is stable. Minor losses. Age-related marks. Frame with some light wear.