"Dating back to around 1500, the rare painting is one of fewer than 20 authenticated works by the Italian in existence."
"First commissioned by Louis XII of France, the 26 inch tall by 18 inch wide oil painting was later owned by England's Charles I."
"When "Salvator Mundi" reappeared at auction in 1958, it was dismissed as a copy and sold for £45 ($59). Acquired by a group of art dealers for less than $10,000 in 2005, the painting -- which was in poor condition and had been heavily overpainted -- was painstakingly restored and subsequently authenticated."
Some private buyer made the purchase. I'm thinking it might have been Gates as he also owns "Codex Leicester" from Da Vinci. $450M is an insane amount and even a multibillionaire would have difficulty swinging it. Gates being at around $80B could swing it, but it's still 0.5% of his entire net worth.
http://www.cnn.com/style/article/da-...ies/index.html