Europe

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

The Only Known Cased Superimposed Load Pistol to be Sold at Bonhams’ Arms & Armour Auction

Detail of an engraved antique superimposed load pistol resting in a red-lined fitted wooden case.

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

Ethical Dilemmas in Art Conservation and Restoration: Preserving the Sacred Legacy of Christian Icons

Venizelos G. Gavrilakis at the International Conference on the Documentation of Ecclesiastical Cultural Heritage.

This March 11-13, 2024, the International Conference on the Documentation of Ecclesiastical Cultural Heritage took place in Sofia at the New Conference Hall, St Kliment of Ohrid University of Sofia. Experts and scholars convened to explore and discuss the documentation, digitization, and preservation of ecclesiastical cultural heritage. The conference commenced with addresses from distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Sofia, Mr. Vasil Terziev, the Rector of Sofia University, Georgi Valchev, the Deputy Rector of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Efstratios Stylianidis, the Board member of KMKD Eva Şarlak, and other esteemed academics and members of KMKD (Association for the Protection of Cultural Heritage).

Rare 15th Century Astrolabe Fetches Over $600,000 Doubling Pre-Sale Expectations

15th-century astrolabe with an engraved circular scale, openwork center and suspension ring against black fabric.

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.

Harmony in Contrast: The Artistic Synergy of Katrin Fridriks and Jan Kaláb – Exclusive Interview

Full view of CC Atlantean Thunderstorm, with flowing white and black bands across a large blue form and a smaller blue form below.

Katrin Fridriks and Jan Kaláb have achieved a remarkable synergy in their collaborative endeavor “PERFECT STORM,” seamlessly blending their individual artistic expressions to create mesmerizing pieces characterized by dynamic movement and vibrant color palettes. From their studios in the south of France and Prague, they collaborate closely, meticulously enhancing and refining each other’s work, resulting in a partnership marked by immaculate attention to detail.

Historic First-Ever Formula 1 Lotus Climax Type 12 Chassis ‘353’ to be Sold for Nearly Half a Million in Monaco

Close view of the green Lotus-Climax Type 12’s nose, race number 26, yellow front wheels and exposed suspension.

Racing aficionados and collectors are gearing up for an electrifying moment at The Bonhams|Cars Monaco Sale, ‘Les Grandes Marques à Monaco’, on May 10th, as one of the most historically significant Formula 1 cars makes its way to the auction block. The 1957-58 Lotus-Climax Type 12 chassis ‘353’, estimated at €290,000 – €390,000 ($308,000 – $415,000), is poised to steal the spotlight, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of motorsport history.

New Book ‘Hearth’ by Corten Caisson: Discover the Stars in Da Vinci’s ‘Salvator Mundi’ and Explore the Essence of Space

Hearth book cover by Corten Caisson, featuring a detail of Salvator Mundi.

“Hearth” delves deep into the heart of one of the most profound questions humanity has grappled with: What is space? Through a masterful blend of philosophy and cosmology, Corten Caisson embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding this fundamental concept. From ancient thinkers to modern-day visionaries, the book traces the historical and philosophical evolution of our understanding of space, inviting readers to contemplate its essence beyond common intuitions.

$2,000,000 Häkkinen’s McLaren P1 Validation Prototype 3 (VP3) to be Auctioned in Monaco

Mika Häkkinen beside the 2013 McLaren P1 Coupé Validation Prototype 3 (VP3), with its doors raised.

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.

Zdzisław Beksiński’s Artwork Fetches Nearly €100,000 at Surrealist Sale in Paris

Painting by Zdzisław Beksiński showing tall red and orange architectural forms against a pale blue-green sky.

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.

30 Years of Artistic Exploration: Michael Gregorjev Murn’s Exhibition at the Iconic Miart Gallery London

Michael Gregorjev Murn in a dark suit, standing with folded arms among colorful paintings.

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.

Important Vasily Polenov Masterpiece Sells for $1.7 Million at Bonhams, Setting a World Record

Detail of Vasily Polenov’s biblical painting, with a black-robed woman in a doorway and figures seated inside a vaulted room.

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.