Category: Antiques

Latest World Art News about Antiques, Ancient Artifacts and much more

The Discovery of Titanium White: Brief History of the Pigment

Journey through the historical evolution of Titanium White pigment, spanning the late 18th to early 20th centuries, as we unravel its fascinating narrative. From its humble beginnings as an artist’s tool to its pivotal role in industrial innovation, explore pivotal moments such as its integration into Impressionist masterpieces and its emergence as a non-toxic alternative to lead white. Delve into the pioneering experiments conducted in Norway and Niagara Falls, which paved the way for the mass production of Titanium White pigment. Join us as we uncover the captivating journey of Titanium White from artistic invention to industrial triumph.

Rare First Edition of Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species” Sells for Double Estimate at Bonhams Auction

A very rare first edition and authorโ€™s presentation copy of Charles Darwinโ€™s groundbreaking work, “On the Origin of Species,” fetched an astonishing ยฃ305,200 ($384,000) at Bonhams Fine Books and Manuscripts Sale held on March 20, 2024. This price surpassed its initial estimate by over double, marking a significant moment in literary auction history. The auction saw a total sale of ยฃ1,308,337 ($1,648,000), with an impressive 93% of the lots sold by volume and an astounding 99% sold by value.

Important Vasily Polenov Masterpiece Sells for $1.7 Million at Bonhams, Setting a World Record

In a remarkable event at Bonhams 19th century and British Impressionist Art Sale today, an exquisite oil on canvas by Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov (1844-1927) stole the spotlight, fetching an astonishing ยฃ1,379,000 ($1,760,000). The painting, titled ‘And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept’, is a part of Polenov’s renowned series, ‘The Life of Christ’. Initially estimated to sell for ยฃ400,000-600,000, the final price far exceeded expectations, marking a significant moment in the art world.

Ultra-Rare $2 Million Turkish Medallion of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, Who Conquered Constantinople, To Be Auctioned in London

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.

American Antiques Smash Records at Christie’s Totaling $9.3M – Joshua Johnson’s Art Sets World Record

Christieโ€™s annual auction of Important Americana in New York has exceeded all expectations, totaling an impressive $9,294,784. This figure marks a significant milestone, more than doubling last yearโ€™s total, and surpassing the low estimate by a striking 122%. With 80% of lots sold, the auction showcased the robust demand for Americana collectibles. Notably, over 25% of buyers and bidders were new to the category at Christieโ€™s, indicating a growing interest in this niche market.

Mona Lisa Attacked by Acid: What Would Happen? Senior Art Conservator & Restorer Explains

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.

1904 NAPIER SAMSON L48: The First Car to Break 100MPH in America Goes to Auction

The 1904 Napier Samson L48 is set to make a triumphant comeback to Florida, where it made history by breaking the 100 miles per hour record on American soil over a century ago. This legendary vehicle, famous for its illustrious racing background, will be unveiled at Ormond-Daytona Beach on February 10, ahead of the Bonhams|Cars Amelia Island Auction on February 29, where it’s anticipated to fetch a price ranging from $900,000 to $1,100,000.

Antiqon PRO: New Online Service Offers Art Market Professionals an Effective Way to Promote Art & Antiques on the Internet

Antiqon PRO is announcing the launch of an online platform that introduces a completely new format for promoting and selling art objects on the Internet. This innovative service will enable representatives of the art market to seamlessly transition their business online and reach an audience of over 12 million people.

Protesters Throw Soup at Mona Lisa Amidst French Farmer Demonstrations | VIDEO

In a bold act of protest, two climate activists from the “Food Riposte” group targeted the iconic Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday. As they hurled soup at the protective glass encasing Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the activists passionately advocated for a sustainable food system, questioning the prioritization of art over the right to healthy and sustainable food. The incident unfolded in a video shared on social media, featuring two women adorned with “FOOD RIPOSTE” on their T-shirts breaching security barriers to approach the painting. Their impassioned slogans echoed concerns about the agricultural system, claiming it to be ailing and causing harm to farmers. Louvre employees swiftly responded by placing black panels in front of the Mona Lisa and evacuating the room.

Art Conservation Odyssey: Navigating Restoration Challenges Through Real-Life Stories

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.