Latest World Art News about Collectibles, Collecting, Collectors, Valuable Rarities and much more
Prepare for an extraordinary journey as cult artists The Connor Brothers partner with Bonhams for a spectacle unlike any other. Set to unfold on June 12th at Bonhams New Bond Street, London, the “Anything But Ordinary” auction promises a captivating showcase of remarkable treasures, with special attention given to the magnificent Triceratops Skull.
In a dazzling display of horological excellence, Bonhams Hong Kong Watches auction witnessed a spectacular moment on May 28 as a rare Richard Mille Rafael Nadal RM27-01 carbon skeletonized tourbillon wristwatch set a new record. Fetching an astonishing $1,170,000 US ($9,148,000 HK), this exclusive timepiece has become the highest value wristwatch ever sold at Bonhams.
The auction was a resounding success, generating a total of £713,344. An impressive 91% of the lots were sold, with 97% sold by value, reflecting the strong demand and competitive bidding. The star of the auction was a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, stainless-steel automatic chronograph bracelet watch, reference 116500LN, circa 2019. Known as the LN reference ‘lunette noir’ due to its black Cerachrom bezel and white dial, this sought-after piece surpassed its pre-sale estimate, fetching £20,480.
The highlight of the auction was an extraordinarily rare Meissen group of lovers with a birdcage, which sold for €171,850, more than quadrupling its low estimate. This piece, first documented in the work records of J.J. Kaendler in March 1741, captivated bidders with its historical significance and intricate craftsmanship. Another standout item was a rare Meissen crinoline figure of a lady from around 1737, which fetched €127,400, exceeding its low estimate by over six times.
The Salvator Mundi Museum of Art is thrilled to announce its recent acquisition of a never-before-seen mechanical metal bank linked to the iconic Salvator Mundi painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. The painting made global headlines in 2017 by becoming the world’s most expensive artwork when it sold at auction for a staggering $450 million. The extraordinarily novel mechanical bank gained public attention when it surfaced and was acquired at this year’s Ponchatoula Antique Trade Day flea market, as reported by local Louisiana press outlets in early April.
A remarkable find in the world of antique firearms, a cased 15-bore percussion four-shot superimposed load officer’s pistol, believed to be the only one of its kind, will take center stage at Bonhams’ upcoming auction of Antique Arms & Armour in London. The auction, which will also include items from the esteemed Per T. Norheim Collection and Modern Sporting Guns, is scheduled to run online from May 13 to May 22 on Bonhams.com
In New York, during Bonhams Fine Books and Manuscripts sale on April 10, a significant highlight emerged as a rare Gimbels Department Store version of the M101-4 1916 Babe Ruth Rookie Card fetched an impressive $762,500, surpassing its initial estimate. This particular card, renowned as one of the most sought-after trading cards in existence, carries historical significance dating back over a century.
In a surprising turn of events at Bonhams’ Important Instruments of Science and Technology Sale in London on April 24th, a remarkably rare 15th-century astrolabe soared past its pre-sale estimate, fetching an impressive £508,400 ($635,000). Jon Baddeley, a specialist at Bonhams, expressed his astonishment at the outcome, stating, “This is one of the strongest results we’ve seen at auction at Bonhams Knightsbridge in the past decade.” Describing the astrolabe as an “early smartphone of sorts,” Baddeley emphasized its multifaceted utility, noting its significance in timekeeping, navigation, celestial observation, and even decision-making.
Welcome to Part 2 of our Exclusive Interview with Professor Megan Heber, MA, MBA. Megan’s journey exemplifies a profound commitment to using the arts as a catalyst for positive change. With 15 years of experience, Megan has become a leading advocate for the arts, currently serving as the Professor of Practice in Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership at SMU’s Division of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs. Beyond the classroom, Megan actively engages with the North Texas arts community, contributing her expertise to various committees and organizations such as the City of Dallas Cultural Plan Implementation Steering Committee and the Board of Appointed Trustees of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Megan’s remarkable contributions have not gone unnoticed; she was honored with the Business Council for the Arts Obelisk Award in 2020 and recognized as one of “30 Under 40” alumni by Rowan University. With a diverse background encompassing executive roles and military service, Megan’s journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to enriching communities through the transformative power of the arts.
Peggy Elias, the visionary founder of JM Gems, renowned for her artistic brilliance, has generously donated a stunning piece of jewelry to support the Arthritis Society Canada’s 30th Anniversary Celebrity Roast. The 18k rose gold Queen chess piece pendant necklace, adorned with diamonds and sapphires, served as the coveted Raffle Prize at the gala event held on Wednesday, April 17th in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
