Salvator Mundi
ca. 1622–23
Medium
Oil on wood
Dimensions
23 1/2 x 17 1/4 in. (59.7 x 43.8 cm)
Classification
Paintings
Department
European Paintings
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Dianne Modestini, in loving memory of Mario Modestini, 2007
Accession Number
2007.91
Tags
Art Historical Context
Domenico Fetti's *Salvator Mundi* (ca. 1622–23) captures the divine figure of Christ as Savior of the World in a compact, intimate oil-on-wood panel, measuring just 23½ x 17¼ inches. Christ is depicted holding a crystal orb symbolizing his dominion over the universe, with his right hand raised in blessing, surrounded by playful putti (cherubic children) emerging from ethereal clouds. This devotional image, typical of Counter-Reformation art, invites personal contemplation and spiritual devotion. Fetti, an Italian Baroque painter active in Mantua and Venice, blended Caravaggesque tenebrism—dra...
About the Artist
Domenico Fetti · 1591–1623
Fetti is known for portraits and religious paintings that were reworked into contemporary genre scenes. These popular paintings were typically small in scale but noted for their broad brushstrokes. He was probably born in Rome, but is often considered a member of the Venetian School. Comment on works: Religious