Passengers visiting a swanky new boarding area at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport will, for the foreseeable future, be greeted by one of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s most famous sculptural works, Salvator Mundi (circa 1679). The marble bust, representing Christ with outstretched hand, stands in an imposing display case in the airport hall (Jesus no doubt grants the blessing to those departing on flight BA345 to Manchester). The sculptural bust, originally intended as a gift for Queen Christina of Sweden, is usually displayed in a church in Rome (the Basilica of San Sebastiano), but under a special arrangement with the Italian Interior Ministry , the work will remain visible for about four weeks according to the local press. “The display is part of the more general strategy of the Leonardo da Vinci [airport] promote local and national art and culture to Italian and foreign passengers,” said a statement from the airport. According to News in Germany website: “Beside it are flashing colorful flight billboards, opposite is the restaurant chain Eataly.
