Europe

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

Art Conservation Odyssey: Navigating Restoration Challenges Through Real-Life Stories

Gloved hand working with a small tool on a cracked icon depicting a woman and child.

Embarking on the fascinating journey into the intricate realm of art conservation and restoration, one cannot overlook the captivating real-life stories that underscore the significance of this unique blend of technical expertise, artistic sensibility, and profound respect for cultural heritage. In this dynamic field, where the preservation, repair, and safeguarding of historical artworks become paramount, these tales illuminate the enduring legacy and challenges faced by those dedicated to this noble pursuit.

Rediscovered Renaissance: Parmigianino’s Hidden Drawing Unveiled in Bologna

Holy Family drawing on tan paper, with a seated figure holding a child beneath drapery and another child at lower right.

Amid the gathering of esteemed institutions and dignitaries, a significant revelation took center stage: an unpublished drawing, measuring 18.9 cm by 17.7 cm, depicting a holy family. This masterpiece, hailing from the esteemed collection of Emile Calando, was presented by a prominent Bolognese company. Notably, this drawing had once shared a space with works by titans like Michelangelo and Raphael and was now speculated to be a rare gem from Parmigianino’s early Roman period, reflecting clear Mannerist undertones.

Beatles’ Historic Abbey Road Console to Hit the Auction Block

Front view of the EMI TG12345 Mk I recording console, with rows of faders, control knobs and meters.

In a historic auction set to take place at Bonhams Knightsbridge in London on Thursday, December 14, the iconic EMI TG12345 Mk I console used by The Beatles to record their legendary album, Abbey Road, will be offered for the first time. The console, the first solid-state transistorized desk built by EMI, played a pivotal role in shaping the distinctive sound of Abbey Road, which has since become one of the most groundbreaking albums of all time.

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

Pink footed bowl by Lucie Rie with fine vertical grooves, a dark rim, and a turquoise band.

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.

Tokyo Park Unveils Cinematic Tribute to Onna No Ko Exhibition and Launches ‘Tokyo Vibes’ Showcase in Lisbon

Film still of Kaori Miyano’s artwork, showing a close-up of a blonde cartoon figure with large blue eyes holding a pink pencil.

In celebration of Tokyo Park’s inaugural showcase of contemporary Japanese art beyond the confines of the UK, Ninjin Art Productions has unveiled a captivating music-driven film chronicling the Onna No Ko exhibition at London’s Old Street Gallery in Shoreditch this past June. Titled ‘Onna No Ko: New Visions of Beauty,’ this visually dynamic short film boasts a runtime of 5 minutes and 10 seconds, featuring an electrifying electro house soundtrack crafted by the film’s director and acclaimed animator, Ignatius Rake.

Monet’s Masterpiece Smashes Records at Christie’s with a Staggering $74,010,000 Sale

Le bassin aux nymphéas by Claude Monet.

In a groundbreaking auction at Christie’s on November 9, 2023, Claude Monet’s masterpiece, “Le bassin aux nymphéas,” achieved a record-setting sale of USD 74,010,000. The iconic painting, dating from 1917-1919 and measuring 100.1 x 200.6 cm, surpassed all expectations, becoming one of the most expensive Monet artworks ever sold. Widely celebrated as a landmark of late Impressionism, “Le bassin aux nymphéas” captures the essence of Monet’s famed gardens at Giverny. The large-scale canvas showcases the artist’s signature play of impasto and vibrant brushwork, offering a mesmerizing portrayal of the flowing planes of flowers and the expansive lily pond.

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

Selection of ceramic works by Hans Coper, Lucie Rie and Jennifer Lee.

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.

Art With A Bite: CoBrA Sale Returns To Bonhams Auction

Mon canal chante (1949) by Corneille, overlapping geometric shapes and red and black lines on a dark green background.

Following the success of the first CoBrA sale last year in Copenhagen, where several records were set, notably for Corneille and Stephen Gilbert, the Danish auction house Bruun Rasmussen, part of the Bonhams network, presents a new CoBrA sale on 5 December at its new premises in Lyngby. A touring exhibition featuring a selection of paintings will begin in Amsterdam from 14 to 15 November, then travel to Brussels from 17 to 19 November at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr, before concluding in Copenhagen with the auction on 5 December. An online sale will take place from 29 November to 12 December.

Double Olympian Martial Artist Neil Eckersley: Fighting Dementia Through Visual Art – An Exclusive Interview

Man holding a face drawing labeled “We Are Olympians” in front of colorful painted circles.

In this insightful interview, we delve into the remarkable journey of Double Olympian Neil Eckersley, a martial artist whose passion for both sports and art has transcended artistic boundaries. Raised in a working-class environment near Manchester, Neil discovered his love for judo at a young age, leading him to become a Double Olympian and secure a Bronze Medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. However, it was a profound personal tragedy, the loss of his older brother, that ignited his passion for visual art. Neil’s artistic expression not only became a form of therapy but also a powerful means to advocate for dementia awareness, a cause close to his heart after witnessing his father’s struggle with the disease. Through his captivating artwork, Neil channels his resilience and Olympian spirit, creating a dialogue around dementia and inspiring change. Join us as we explore the intersection of athleticism, artistry, and advocacy in Neil Eckersley’s extraordinary journey, profoundly shaped by his father’s courage in facing dementia.

Notre-Dame Cathedral: Rising from the Ashes with Global Solidarity

Notre-Dame Cathedral during the 2019 fire.

In the heart of Paris, where history and artistry intertwine, a monumental effort is underway, one that embodies the resilience of human spirit and international solidarity. The Notre-Dame Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that stood witness to centuries of history, faced a catastrophic trial on April 15, 2019, when a fierce blaze consumed its iconic spire and wooden roof, sending shockwaves across the globe.