How much less valuable is a copy than an original work of art? Consider Salvator Mundi, the painting that went to auction at Christie’s in November 2017. In 2005, when it was thought to be one of multiple copies of a lost Leonardo da Vinci work, it sold for just $10,000. Then a group of art historians caused controversy by declaring that the Florentine master had himself painted it. Among them was Martin Kemp, who commented that the work possesses an “uncanny presence” similar to other da Vincis—funny, considering that this quality is, by definition, difficult to pin down. This story is from Kinfolk Issue Twenty-Nine Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 51 Emily Gernild The Danish painter breathing new life into an old medium. Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables. Arts & Culture Issue 50 Close Knit Meet the weavers keeping traditional Egyptian tapestry-making alive. Arts & Culture Issue 50 New Roots The Palestinian agriculture collective sowing seeds of community. Arts & Culture Issue 49 Checked Out Why is hotel art so boring? Arts & Culture Issue 49 Cult Rooms The history—and future—of Luna Luna Park.
Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables.
Arts & Culture Issue 50 Close Knit Meet the weavers keeping traditional Egyptian tapestry-making alive.
