Category: Fine Art

Latest World Art News about Fine Art

Leonardo da Vinci’s Ideal Horse has been Found!

Leonardo da Vinci, widely regarded as the preeminent Master of All Time, stands as the most extensively studied artist globally. This polymathic genius continues to captivate the imagination, as exemplified by the suspenseful thriller “The Da Vinci Code,” a work of fiction positing that Leonardo embedded intricate clues within his creations. This fascination stems from his embodiment of the universalist spirit of the Renaissance. Among his most iconic drawings, “The Vitruvian Man” has long been a subject of discourse, as scholars endeavor to unveil the concealed secrets behind its depiction of ideal proportions.

Salvator Mundi: a Bone of Contention – Prominent Art Restorer Speaks Out

Salvator Mundi is a remarkable painting by Leonardo da Vinci, known for its record-breaking sale of $450 million. This renowned artwork possesses a long and intriguing history, with some experts dating its creation back to the late 1490s, while others argue it was completed after 1500. There is a theory suggesting that it may have been commissioned for King Louis XII of France and his consort, Anne of Brittany, possibly soon after the conquests of Milan and Genoa. However, it is important to note that not all historians accept this theory. By delving into the painting’s history from its inception to the present day, we can observe the impact of the art market, pricing, and the various interventions it has undergone.

The “Byzantine Mona Lisa” Discovered in Istanbul

In a church on the Princes’ Islands of Istanbul, a masterpiece and Byzantine treasure awaited discovery. This unique bilateral post-Byzantine icon of Panagia Eleousa held a peculiar feature: on its reverse side, there was another painted icon from the 14th century, which had remained “hidden” for over a hundred years inside a heavy metal box, kept in the Church of Panagia Eleousa on Büyükada/Pringipos. This magnificent, rare, and unique artifact, often regarded as the Byzantine Mona Lisa, has endured through the centuries, conveying numerous historical, social, and artistic messages. With the expertise of a conservator, who tends to it as an art doctor, it has been safeguarded for future generations. Currently, this masterpiece is housed at the Church of Panagia Eleousa in Büyükada/Pringipos, Istanbul.

Groundbreaking study on Leonardo da Vinci’s red chalk drawing reveals the face of Federico da Montefeltro

The International Conference, Leonardo The Immortal Light, held at Palazzo Li Madou in Ancona, unveiled a groundbreaking study on Leonardo da Vinci’s red chalk drawing, revealing that it depicted the features of Federico da Montefeltro, the Duke of Urbino. The event, now in its 30th edition, explored Leonardo’s genius through scientific research, philosophy, and art, with renowned experts presenting their findings. The conference also highlighted the role of Neoplatonism during the Renaissance, the symbolism employed by Federico at his court, and the anatomical details of the drawing. The event culminated in the awarding of the prestigious Leonardo International Award to the Marche Region for its commitment to culture, tourism, and sustainability. The discoveries made during the conference underscored the profound connection between the Marches and Leonardo’s works, emphasizing the need for a new humanism that unites spirituality and intellectual achievements. The event serves as a catalyst for cultural rebirth, inspiring further research and appreciation of Leonardo’s legacy, while envisioning a future where art, science, and philosophy intertwine to shape a harmonious society.

THE ART DOCTOR – Exclusive Interview with Senior Master Conservator & Restorer Venizelos G. Gavrilakis | Part 4

VENIS STUDIOS is a company that specializes in the conservation and restoration of historic artworks and antiquities, combining the scientific and artistic aspects of conservation and restoration. It undertakes conservation and restoration projects of all fixed and portable works of art such as paintings, icon panels, artworks, antiques, historical monuments, etc., in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Jordan, United States, and many other nations. Its purpose is to save artifacts and artworks by combining science with art. Recently, The World Art News had the pleasure to interview its President, Venizelos G. Gavrilakis, who shared with us fascinating images, stories, and facts about his unique art career. Here’s Part 4 of that conversation.

THE ART DOCTOR – Exclusive Interview with Senior Master Conservator & Restorer Venizelos G. Gavrilakis | Part 3

VENIS STUDIOS is a company that specializes in the conservation and restoration of historic artworks and antiquities, combining the scientific and artistic aspects of conservation and restoration. It undertakes conservation and restoration projects of all fixed and portable works of art such as paintings, icon panels, artworks, antiques, historical monuments, etc., in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Jordan, United States, and many other nations. Its purpose is to save artifacts and artworks by combining science with art. Recently, The World Art News had the pleasure to interview its President, Venizelos G. Gavrilakis, who shared with us fascinating images, stories, and facts about his unique art career. Here’s Part 3 of that conversation.

The Royal FAUST – One of the Rarest Antique Books in the World … That You Can Actually Buy

Goethe's Faust, First Part - Erster Theil. Auguste von Kreiling, Friedr. Bruckmann’s Verlag 1875, 1876, 1877, 52 x 39 cm

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a world-renowned 18th century writer and philosopher, covering poetry, plays, novels, and scientific treatises, and widely considered the greatest German writer of all time. His magnum opus, “Faust,” tells the story of a scholar who makes a deal with the devil in exchange for unlimited knowledge and pleasure, and is regarded as one of the greatest literary works ever written. Now imagine owning an antique limited-edition royal “Faust” that is the size of a small window. It is covered in leather and silver, published and decorated by the finest bookmakers and artists of its time, and made exclusively for Queen Victoria. Who wouldn’t want such a copy for their personal library?! This book exists, and with some effort, you can purchase it for your collection.

Automata & Music Exhibition featuring Geneva’s Museum of Art and History (MAH) Objet d’Art Collection

In partnership with GemGenève, the Museum of Art and History (MAH) is organizing an off-site exhibition featuring exceptional automata, musical, and other objets d’art from its collection. With a policy of promoting art and culture that dates back to the 18th century, MAH is now one of the leading museums in the world. This May, 25 small to medium-sized works of art created at the turn of the 19th century will be exhibited by MAH in an exclusive temporary display that will be open to GemGenève visitors. The show will also feature works on loan from the International Museum of Horology at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Swiss sculptor and automaton maker François Junod, as well as GemGenève exhibitors.

Exclusive Interview with Renowned Senior Expert Artworks Conservator & Restorer Venizelos G. Gavrilakis | Part 1

VENIS STUDIOS is a company that undertakes conservation and restoration projects of all fixed and portable works of art such as paintings, icon panels, artworks, antiques, historical monuments, etc., in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Jordan, United States, and many other nations. Its purpose is to save artifacts and artworks by combining science with art. Recently, The World Art News had the pleasure to interview its President, Venizelos G. Gavrilakis, who shared with us fascinating images, stories, and facts about his unique art career. Here’s Part 1 of that conversation.

After 16 Years of Restoration St John’s Co-Cathedral’s Majestic 17th Century Tapestry to be Exhibited in Malta

The St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation is delighted to announce that The Set of Tapestries will be exhibited at St John’s Co-Cathedral after an extensive restoration process that lasted 16 years at De Wit Laboratories in Belgium. The last time they were displayed was during  Pope St John Paul II’s visit to Malta in 1990.