Latest World Art News from Europe
Mika Häkkinen, the renowned two-time Formula 1 World Champion and McLaren Brand Ambassador, is set to offer a unique piece of automotive history to the wealthiest car collectors in the world. Bonhams|Cars will present Häkkinen’s 2013 McLaren P1 Coupé Validation Prototype 3 (VP3) at The Monaco Sale ‘Les Grandes Marques à Monaco’. This event, scheduled for May 10, will witness the auctioning of this exceptional vehicle, making it the only Validation Prototype ever to grace such an occasion.
Admiral Lord Nelson’s indelible mark on British history extends far beyond his iconic victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. His naval prowess, coupled with his captivating personal life, continues to captivate the public imagination. This April, Bonhams Knightsbridge is set to showcase a remarkable collection of memorabilia celebrating Nelson’s legacy in two distinct sales: Nelson Forever! A Naval Legacy in Ceramics and Glass on April 23, followed by the Marine Sale on April 24.
Christian icons, revered as sacred depictions of Christianity and esteemed as historical art masterpieces, have withstood the test of time, serving as potent symbols of faith and repositories of theological teachings. Despite their spiritual significance, icons are susceptible to threats from environmental elements, human intervention, and natural calamities. The preservation and restoration of these icons necessitate specialized knowledge, skills, and a profound sensitivity to their religious and cultural significance.
Zdzislaw Beksinski (1929-2005), the renowned Polish artist, continues to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide as one of his significant pieces, an oil on panel, soared to a remarkable €91,840 at the recent Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr Surrealist Sale in Paris on March 27, 2024. The painting, which had a pre-sale estimate ranging from €50,000 to €70,000, emerged as one of the highlights of the event, drawing attention for its profound artistic expression.
In a notable display of support for female artists, the Musée d’Arts de Nantes (France) exercised its right under French law to pre-empt the final bids on three paintings at the recent Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr Surrealist Sale in Paris. The museum’s proactive stance in securing these artworks highlights its commitment to promoting gender diversity in the arts and enriching its collection with significant contributions from women artists.
Michael Gregorjev Murn is hosting the MGM Solo Exhibition in the heart of St James’s, London. The landmark event is set to take place between May 11th and June 6th, 2024, at the iconic Miart Gallery London. Directed by Irem Deniz, Miart Gallery is renowned for its commitment to showcasing groundbreaking contemporary art, making it the perfect backdrop. Marking a significant moment in Michael Gregorjev Murn’s career, the solo exhibition is the premiere exhibition in a series of upcoming global events. More than just another art show, it represents a journey of Michael’s mark in the art world.
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.
On March 20, 2024, at Bonhams Knightsbridge, a significant literary artifact changed hands as an uncorrected proof copy of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling, dating back to 1997, was auctioned off. The item, which bore Rowling’s inscription and signature, sold for £35,840 ($45,000), falling within the pre-sale estimate range of £30,000-50,000 ($37,000-63,000).
A very rare first edition and author’s presentation copy of Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking work, “On the Origin of Species,” fetched an astonishing £305,200 ($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 £1,308,337 ($1,648,000), with an impressive 93% of the lots sold by volume and an astounding 99% sold by value.
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 £1,379,000 ($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 £400,000-600,000, the final price far exceeded expectations, marking a significant moment in the art world.
