Eroticon by Celebrated Greek Artist Yiannis Moralis Sells for Over Half a Million EurosCricket Legend Sir Donald Bradman’s ‘Baggy Green’ Cap Sells for $310,000 USD at AuctionBreaking Down Elements Behind Sascha Fonseca’s Award-Winning Wildlife Photo “World of the Snow Leopard”The Latest Trends in Contemporary Landscape Photography
Maurice Leloir’s Four Historical Scenes Sell for €128,600 at BonhamsJacob Jordaens’s Portrait of His Wife Sells for €154,200 at BonhamsRenaissance Portrait Attributed to Conrad Faber Sells for €295,000 at BonhamsJodi the Nanotyrannus Sells for US$47.3 Million at Sotheby’sQianlong Emperor’s Jewel-Encrusted Gold Ewer Sells for US$7.11 Million at Christie’sHockney’s €282,200 Print Leads Warhol and Banksy in €1.06 Million Bonhams SaleMV Agusta Sells for $1.3 Million, Setting an Italian Motorcycle Auction RecordEnigma Machine Sells for £203,600 at Bonhams: Inside the 1941 Cipher DeviceUzo Egonu’s Will Knowledge Safeguard Freedom I Sets Auction Record at £198,900Yusuf Grillo’s One Man Band Sets Artist Auction Record at £461,300Ben Enwonwu’s Anyanwu Sells for £602,100, Setting a Sculpture Record at BonhamsRare Gandhi Portrait Achieves £152,800, Tripling Its EstimateBanksy’s British Cool Mickey Snake Triumphs at Bonhams, Selling for £330,600Whistler’s First Portrait Commission Sells for Five Times Estimate, Fetching $495,000Bridget Riley Stuns Art World as Myrrh Soars to $2.36M at Bonhams

Europe

Art, antiques, exhibitions, and collecting news from across Europe.

Tectonic Worlds Collide in The Perfect Storm! A Collaborative Exhibition by Katrin Fridriks and Jan Kaláb at BC Gallery in Basel | VIDEO

By on • ( 3 Comments )
Inner Space of Red Moon 523 by Katrin Fridriks and Jan Kaláb, with a red center and swirling blue, white and black bands

They say opposites attract and similarities repel, however, some beg to differ, and in reality, mash ups and diversity always create unique and beautiful creatures. This holds true and is the case proven with decadent artworks in the exhibition, The Perfect Storm, a quintessential collection by Katrin Fridriks and Jan Kaláb debuting at BC Gallery in Basel. Together, Katrin and Jan have found the ultimate sweet spot of their individual artistic expression to radiate into a new realm with breathtaking pieces evoking sensory stimulations, where you can’t look away and become happily lost within its movements and colors. 

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

By on • ( 3 Comments )
Close-up of a reddish drawing of a man with long wavy hair and a beard.

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.

Braille Transformed into Art: Fulvio Morella’s Exhibition in Rome

By on • ( 2 Comments )
A finger touching Braille dots above the concentric geometric relief of Fulvio Morella's OCULUS artwork.

Following its acquisition by the Braille Museum in Milan, Morella brings a collection of works to Rome that delve into the very essence of limitations. At the heart of the exhibition lies OCULUS, a remarkable chalcography paying homage to Rome and the profound human ingenuity embodied by the Pantheon. True to Morella’s artistic style, OCULUS is enhanced and “completed” by a Braille inscription, translated into French, English, and Italian, which reads, “Not always closed eyes sleep, not always open eyes see.” Additionally, showcasing his interest in the artistic process, the artist offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into this ambitious project, presenting the magnesium matrices and preparatory works created from 2021 until present alongside the final artwork.

MEDEA Contemporary Art Exhibition curated by Demetrio Paparoni 

By on • ( 1 Comment )
Visitor seen from behind in front of a large dark artwork depicting a standing figure.

The exhibition includes works by 17 artists created specifically on the theme of Medea, one of the most famous and controversial characters in Greek mythology. It reveals the extent to which the story of the sorceress, infanticide in Euripides’ narration, still affects the imagination of our times. Through the unprecedented gaze of contemporary artists from different geographical areas – from Northern Europe to China, from the Caucasus region to South-East Asia, as well as Italy – the exhibition highlights the inseparable link between Siracusa and ancient theatre. Classical tragedy is thus revived in Siracusa through contemporary artistic expressions also in the field of visual arts.

Vivienne Becker’s Jewellery Designer Vivarium at GemGenève

By on
Gold-colored necklace with a green circuit-patterned pendant and pink, blue, and green accents.

This May, the Designer Vivarium is set to return to GemGenève, featuring five international contemporary designers, with four of them being new to the Vivarium, presenting their work at GemGenève for the first time. As usual, the Designer Vivarium is curated by renowned jewellery historian, Vivienne Becker, who meticulously scouts the globe for fresh and creative talent, seeking out independent, under-the-radar designer jewellers, artists, and goldsmiths who have something unique to offer in their jewellery. Becker’s discerning eye seeks out a strong, singular creative vision, intense individuality, and sophistication of craftsmanship.

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

By on • ( 11 Comments )
Ornate gilt and dark metal binding of a luxury edition of Goethe’s Faust, surrounded by monochrome illustrations.

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

By on
Pair of blue-and-gold musical automaton clocks, circa 1800, topped by elephants and ornate urns.

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.

6th Edition of GEMGENÈVE Jewellery Exhibition Will Feature Emerging Talents & New Designers

By on • ( 4 Comments )
Sculptural blue brooch by Aso Leon with curling branches and pale blue stones.

Hosted by Nadège Totah, the 6th Edition of GemGenève is proud to welcome new talented jewellery designers who will have the opportunity to exhibit their shining creations in a dedicated space. Their jewellery art offer a fascinating glimpse into a very different universe of ideas and inspirations, a world of innovation and ingenuity that highlights each creator’s individuality. With very different styles and techniques, each designer draws inspiration from the mysteries of nature in order, as they explain, to create collections imbued with the powerful symbolism that has always been an essential element of jewels. All of these designs share a common focus: the meaning, message and role of the jewel, far beyond the purely ornamental, giving them a value that exceeds their intrinsic worth. Above all, the gemstone is and has always been a talisman to protect and invoke goodwill; a talisman to keep close to us at all times, reminding us to live in a harmony of body, heart and soul.

Exclusive Interview with German Sculptor & Videographer freaky-Deek | Part 3

By on • ( 1 Comment )
Tank Girl cover artwork by freaky-Deek

Freaky-Deek is a talented sculptor and videographer hailing from the Black Forest region in Germany. He has been showcasing his work in various galleries, exhibitions, and social media platforms. Having grown tired of just typing on a keyboard, freaky-Deek decided to dive into his creative passion and start his own business. As a former figurine collector, he wanted to create something truly unique and dynamic. So, he combined his electronics skills with his love for art and crafted sculptures with added features such as lights and sound. Recently freaky-Deek embarked on a new journey with the creation of a one-of-a-kind polymer clay cyborg sculpt, known as Project AD-01.

Exclusive Interview with German Sculptor & Videographer freaky-Deek | Part 2

By on • ( 2 Comments )
Black-and-white portrait of a man holding a camera toward the viewer.

Freaky-Deek is a talented sculptor and videographer hailing from the Black Forest region in Germany. He has been showcasing his work in various galleries, exhibitions, and social media platforms. Having grown tired of just typing on a keyboard, freaky-Deek decided to dive into his creative passion and start his own business. As a former figurine collector, he wanted to create something truly unique and dynamic. So, he combined his electronics skills with his love for art and crafted sculptures with added features such as lights and sound. Recently freaky-Deek embarked on a new journey with the creation of a one-of-a-kind polymer clay cyborg sculpt, known as Project AD-01.