Category: Sculpture

Latest World Art News about Rare, Collectible, and Antique Sculptures

Donatello Puzzle: The Deposition of Christ and High Altar at Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua

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.

Navigating Trends, Value, and Display in Home Collectibles

Collectibles have a special place in home decor, adding personal touches and aesthetics. It’s important for collectors and decorators to know the latest trends in collectibles. This helps in deciding what to buy and how to arrange them. The value of collectibles can change a lot, depending on how rare they are, their condition, and how much people want them. Besides buying and valuing them, how you display these items is also key. You need to find creative ways to show off their special features and make sure they fit well with your home’s design. Understanding all these aspects improves the joy of owning and appreciating these valuable items.

Exclusive Interview with Dan Lam – Dripping Sculptures

Dan Lam, an internationally recognized contemporary artist and influential figure in social media, is based in Texas. Known for her unique sculptural works, Lam expertly blends unconventional materials, organic shapes, and vivid colors to explore intricate dichotomies. Her art, oscillating between beauty and the surreal, encourages viewers to contemplate deeper meanings while invoking a sense of both familiarity and wonder. Influenced by luminaries like James Turrell, Olafur Eliasson, and Lynda Benglis, Lam’s distinctive sculptures have solidified her status as a preeminent figure in today’s contemporary art landscape.

Lucie Rie’s Ceramic Bowl Shatters Records, Sells for €406,800 at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr Auction in Paris

In a riveting event at the Ceramic Masterpieces sale in Paris on Tuesday, December 6, 2023, a Footed bowl by Lucie Rie (1902-1995) stole the spotlight, executed circa 1980 with inlaid pink radiating lines, turquoise, and manganese bands. The intense bidding war that ensued saw the bowl fetching an astonishing €406,800, nearly 10 times its initial estimate of €40,000-60,000, setting a new world auction record for the renowned artist.

Record-Breaking Sale: Ancient Tibetan Sculpture of Virupaksha Achieves $4.85 Million at Bonhams Hong Kong Auction

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).

Bonhams Announces A Once-In-A-Lifetime Costume Auction of Netflix’s Award-Winning Series ‘The Crown’

The award-winning series, The Crown, is one of Netflix’s most prestigious and acclaimed shows. Now, as the final series premieres, Bonhams announces a once-in-a-lifetime auction of close to 450 props, furniture, and costumes – including those inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation Robes and Princess Diana’s ‘Revenge dress’ – from all six series of The Crown, written and created by Peter Morgan and produced by Left Bank Pictures and Sony Pictures Television. A live sale of approximately 150 lots will take place on Wednesday 7 February 2024 at Bonhams, New Bond Street, London, followed by an online auction of around 300 lots commencing on 30 January to 8 February on bonhams.com. Proceeds from the live sale will go towards establishing the Left Bank Pictures –The Crown Scholarship programme at the National Film and Television School (NFTS) which has training sites across the UK in Buckinghamshire, London, Leeds, Scotland, and Wales.

High-End Ceramics: Timeless Masterpieces by Hans Coper, Lucie Rie, and Jennifer Lee from an Exquisite Private French Collection at Bonhams

A selection of 15 exceptional ceramics by Hans Coper, Lucie Rie, Jennifer Lee, Ewen Henderson, Colin Pearson, Duncan Ross and Walter Keeler from a private French collection will be offered at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris on Wednesday 6 December 2023. Hans Coper (1920-1981) was a leading figure in the field of studio pottery — the production of unique ceramic wares made by individual artist-potters in small batches. Together with Lucie Rie (1902-1995), he was instrumental in revolutionising British ceramics, adopting a style which was increasingly sculptural.

Afghan Artists and Cultural Heritage in Extreme Danger: The World is Failing Afghanistan on Two Critical Fronts

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. 

Bonhams to Showcase the Helen and David Milling Collection of Arts and Crafts Ceramics and Glass

The Helen and David Milling Collection, featuring the finest British and American art pottery and glass from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, will be showcased at Bonhams this December. Over the span of half a century, the Michigan couple meticulously assembled an exceptional collection from some of the era’s most renowned potters, designers, and artists. This distinguished assortment comprises more than 350 lots, to be presented across three sales this December: 20th Century Decorative Arts and Ceramics on December 5 in London, Modern Decorative Art & Design on December 12 in New York, and the dedicated Helen and David Milling Online auction from December 8–18 at Bonhams Skinner.

Restoration and Conservation: Elevating the Market Value of Art, Antiques & Collectibles

In the realm of art, where creativity intertwines with history, the expertise of art conservators and restorers holds unparalleled significance. Art Conservation and Restoration emerge not just as processes of preservation but as transformative journeys that breathe new life into artworks. This article explores the profound impact of art Conservation and Restoration on the value of artworks, unraveling the meticulous efforts that enhance their cultural, aesthetic, and market worth.