Salvator Mundi by Titian - Kunsthistorisches museum Vienna

This Salvator Mundi (1530) is by Titian and located in the Kunsthistorisches museum Vienna.

Jesus Christ is portrayed with long hair, a beard, and a calm, introspective expression. He is dressed in a red tunic and a blue cloak, traditional colors symbolizing his divinity (blue) and humanity (red). Shown holding a crystal orb in his left hand, a symbol of his dominion over the world and the cosmos which is a signature element of Salvator Mundi iconography. 

The subtle gradations of color in the robe and the luminous quality of Christ’s face reflect the Venetian emphasis on color and light over the Florentine focus on line and form. The painting exemplifies Titian’s mature style, with a balance of idealized beauty and emotional depth, typical of his later religious works. The figure emerges against a dark, neutral background, emphasizing the serene, spiritual presence of Christ. The globe is depicted with a semi-translucent texture, giving it a mystical and symbolic quality

Painted late in Titian’s career, this work reflects the artist’s deep engagement with religious themes during a period marked by the Counter-Reformation, which emphasized personal piety and devotion. The direct gaze and blessing gesture invite the viewer into a moment of spiritual connection, a hallmark of devotional art meant for private contemplation.