Digital Editions
Newsletters
Subscribe
Digital Editions
Newsletters
Art market
Museums & heritage
Exhibitions
Books
Podcasts
Columns
Technology
Adventures with Van Gogh
Art market
Museums & heritage
Exhibitions
Books
Podcasts
Columns
Technology
Adventures with Van Gogh
Diary
blog

Uber and the Salvator Mundi prophecy

Auction mastermind Loïc Gouzer reveals why a cab driver's name was a very good omen

The Art Newspaper
22 December 2023
Share
Salvator Mundi auction at Christie's New York

TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES.

Salvator Mundi auction at Christie's New York

TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES.

Loïc Gouzer, the man behind the most expensive work of art sold at auction—the $450m Salvator Mundi at Christie’s New York in 2017 by a certain Renaissance master—says that he knew the sale would hit new heights on discovering the name of his taxi driver that fateful day. Speaking to the Baer Faxt podcast, Gouzer says: “It was the day of auction and I could barely eat my breakfast…. Stars have to align… I ordered my Uber, the Uber says I’ll be there in three minutes, the driver’s name is……. Leonardo”. Gouzer, the former co-chair of postwar and contemporary art at the auction house, says he was so convinced this was a good omen, he begged the driver to stay while he put on his tie. “I was terrified of losing him—please do not cancel me,” he pleaded. Thank goodness the driver wasn’t called Michelangelo.

DiarySalvator MundiLoic GouzerAuctions
Share
Subscribe to The Art Newspaper’s digital newsletter for your daily digest of essential news, views and analysis from the international art world delivered directly to your inbox.
Newsletter sign-up
Information
About
Contact
Cookie policy
Data protection
Privacy policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Subscription T&Cs
Terms and conditions
Advertise
Sister Papers
Sponsorship policy
Follow us
Instagram
Bluesky
LinkedIn
Facebook
TikTok
YouTube
© The Art Newspaper

Related content

In the frameblog
5 December 2019

Salvator Mundi-mania comes to Brooklyn

“Museum” features reproductions, artefacts and even Salvator Mundi pasta sauce

The Art Newspaper
Diaryblog
10 September 2021

Is it by the master? Audience delivers verdict on Salvator Mundi at 'The Lost Leonardo' UK premiere

The Art Newspaper
Diaryblog
18 April 2023

Calling Mr Bernini to gate 35—artist’s Salvator Mundi sculpture goes on show at Rome airport

Italian government approves display of sculptural icon in new boarding area

The Art Newspaper
Diaryblog
19 August 2024

Where is Salvator Mundi? In storage in Geneva—apparently

Could the long-lost work end up in a Saudi museum run by ex-British Museum chief?

The Art Newspaper