Latest World Art News about Artifacts, Archology, and the Ancient Works of Art
An extraordinary rediscovery in the world of Islamic art has emerged as a bronze portrait medallion of Sultan Mehmed II, predating his historic conquest of Constantinople, prepares to take the spotlight at Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art Sale on Tuesday, May 21. The event will be held at Bonhams New Bond Street location in London, where art enthusiasts and historians alike will have the opportunity to witness this remarkable artifact.
After the recent soup attack on Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, fortunately protected by bulletproof glass, we reached out to the renowned Senior Expert Artworks Conservator & Restorer, Venizelos G. Gavrilakis, also known as ‘The Art Doctor’, to understand the potential ramifications if the most famous painting in the world were exposed not only to soup but also to some of the most detrimental substances readily available to the public. In our theoretical scenarios, the beloved Mona Lisa faces attacks by various substances, ranging from mundane to malicious, including soup, oil paint, ink, bleach, acid, and worst of all, paint remover. Mr. Gavrilakis outlines the potential damage for each scenario and discusses the necessary conservation and restoration efforts needed to save the masterpiece. As the fate of this iconic artwork hangs in the balance, we explore each horrific scenario, delving into the potential extent of damage and, above all, the restoration efforts required.
Embarking on the fascinating journey into the intricate realm of art conservation and restoration, one cannot overlook the captivating real-life stories that underscore the significance of this unique blend of technical expertise, artistic sensibility, and profound respect for cultural heritage. In this dynamic field, where the preservation, repair, and safeguarding of historical artworks become paramount, these tales illuminate the enduring legacy and challenges faced by those dedicated to this noble pursuit.
As part of the exhibition dedicated to Donatello at the Victoria and Albert Museum (“Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance,” which took place from February 11, 2023, to June 11, 2023), a conference organized by the V&A Research Institute was held in London. It focused on the Medici sculptor par excellence, the only one honored with burial in the crypt of the Basilica of the Florentine dynasty of San Lorenzo. Speeches were scheduled over two days and saw the presence of the most important specialists in the international arena. They took stock of the studies dedicated to the Master, which, despite having a very extensive bibliography, still leave many questions open.
Amid the gathering of esteemed institutions and dignitaries, a significant revelation took center stage: an unpublished drawing, measuring 18.9 cm by 17.7 cm, depicting a holy family. This masterpiece, hailing from the esteemed collection of Emile Calando, was presented by a prominent Bolognese company. Notably, this drawing had once shared a space with works by titans like Michelangelo and Raphael and was now speculated to be a rare gem from Parmigianino’s early Roman period, reflecting clear Mannerist undertones.
In a recent auction event at Bonhams Hong Kong featuring Images of Devotion, an extraordinary Early 15th Century Gilt Copper Alloy Figure of Virupaksha from the renowned Densatil Monastery in Central Tibet commanded a staggering price of HK$37,964,000 (approximately USD $4,855,000). This masterpiece, considered the pinnacle of the order’s sculptural tradition, surpassed its estimated value of HK$35-55 million (USD $4.5-7 million), contributing significantly to the overall auction total of HK$75 million (approximately USD $9,632,000).
The term “icon” finds its roots in the Greek language, derived from the word Εικόνα, pronounced as “Ikona” in Greek and translated to “Icon” in English. It signifies an image or representation, predominantly portraying figures such as Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and saints. Additionally, icons depict events from Christian sources, including the Old and New Testaments, Gospels, the lives of Jesus and saints, and other sacred texts. Icons stand as highly symbolic artworks, laden with profound meaning and character.
A magnificent and extremely rare Islamic Mecca-centred world map, a masterpiece from Safavid Persia, sold for £1.86 million at Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art Sale today (Tuesday 14 November). It had an estimate of £1,500,000-2,000,000. The map, formerly on display at the Harvard Museum of Art, and dating from the last quarter of the 17th century, is the finest and most complete Mecca-centred world map of only three surviving examples (the other two were discovered in 1989 and 1995) and is the most important Islamic scientific instrument ever offered at auction.
In the midst of the American Revolution, a fervor for independence and a newfound sense of national identity inspired a wave of creativity that would forever shape the artistic landscape of the United States. From stirring political cartoons to iconic portraits of revolutionary leaders, American artists of the 18th century played a crucial role in capturing the spirit of the times. Today, their work stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to reflect and influence the course of history.
The Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI) urgently called for the safety of Afghan artists who are categorically persecuted by the Taliban as demonstrated in a new report launched today: Artistic Exodus: Afghan Artists Fleeing Taliban Rule. The report, produced in partnership with UC Berkeley Law Pro Bono Program, brings to light the abuse of people working in music, visual arts, performing arts, film and television, literature, museums, cultural heritage sites and arts education since the regime regained control of Afghanistan two years ago.
