Category: Investigations

Latest Investigations by The World Art News journalists into the intriguing World of Art, Antiques, and Collectibles

The Jewish Museum Cancels Two Jewish Artists Descended from Holocaust Survivors for Supporting Palestinians

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The Jewish Museum in Vienna has disinvited the father-son artist duo, Elias and Gideon Mendel, from participating in the planned exhibition titled “I Am My Family: The Generations after the Holocaust” due to their criticism of the Israeli government. Despite the artists’ subsequent publication of an open letter on Instagram questioning the integrity of the museum’s leadership in determining the exhibition’s participants, the museum’s management has yet to issue a public statement on the matter. In an effort to address this regrettable turn of events, Elias Mendel, a London-born multidisciplinary Jewish artist, provided an exclusive interview to offer clarity on the situation.

Rothko’s Most Expensive Painting “No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red)” Sold Again!

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One of the most notable sales in the art world occurred in 2014 when Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev purchased Rothko’s renowned 1951 masterpiece, “No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red),” from Swiss art dealer Yves Bouvier for a staggering $186 million. While this record-breaking sale brought significant media attention, it also entangled the artwork in the notorious Bouvier Affair, a scandal that reverberated throughout the art world shortly after.

Mona Lisa Attacked by Acid: What Would Happen? Senior Art Conservator & Restorer Explains

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After the recent soup attack on Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, fortunately protected by bulletproof glass, we reached out to the renowned Senior Expert Artworks Conservator & Restorer, Venizelos G. Gavrilakis, also known as ‘The Art Doctor’, to understand the potential ramifications if the most famous painting in the world were exposed not only to soup but also to some of the most detrimental substances readily available to the public. In our theoretical scenarios, the beloved Mona Lisa faces attacks by various substances, ranging from mundane to malicious, including soup, oil paint, ink, bleach, acid, and worst of all, paint remover. Mr. Gavrilakis outlines the potential damage for each scenario and discusses the necessary conservation and restoration efforts needed to save the masterpiece. As the fate of this iconic artwork hangs in the balance, we explore each horrific scenario, delving into the potential extent of damage and, above all, the restoration efforts required.

From Peril to Refuge: Afghan Film Archivists Find Sanctuary in Germany Amid Taliban Threats

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Since the Taliban regime took control of Afghanistan in 2021, those working in archives, museums, cultural heritage sites, film and television, music, visual arts, performing arts, literature and arts education have faced the threats of persecution. Punishments have been meted out including extrajudicial killings, arrests, arbitrary detention and public humiliation while arts and cultural institutions, including museums and archives, have been either nearly or completely shut down.

ART WAR: Sotheby’s Emerges Victorious in Russian Billionaire’s Battle Over Alleged Fraud

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In a riveting conclusion to a three-week trial, a federal jury ruled in favor of Sotheby’s on Tuesday, dispelling the accusations of Russian billionaire oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev, who claimed the prestigious auction house defrauded him of tens of millions of dollars in art sales. The drama unfolded as Rybolovlev accused Sotheby’s of conspiring with Swiss art dealer Yves Bouvier to inflate prices for four significant works, including the famed “Salvator Mundi” attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.

Donatello Puzzle: The Deposition of Christ and High Altar at Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua

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As part of the exhibition dedicated to Donatello at the Victoria and Albert Museum (“Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance,” which took place from February 11, 2023, to June 11, 2023), a conference organized by the V&A Research Institute was held in London. It focused on the Medici sculptor par excellence, the only one honored with burial in the crypt of the Basilica of the Florentine dynasty of San Lorenzo. Speeches were scheduled over two days and saw the presence of the most important specialists in the international arena. They took stock of the studies dedicated to the Master, which, despite having a very extensive bibliography, still leave many questions open.

ART WAR: Russian Billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev vs. Sotheby’s in Epic $232.5 Million Art Fraud Trial

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In a high-stakes legal showdown gripping the art world, Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev accuses renowned auction house Sotheby’s of orchestrating an elaborate art scam that cost him millions. The trial, underway in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, has thrust the secretive dealings of the art industry into the spotlight. Rybolovlev, with a net worth of $11.5 billion, made headlines as he pursued legal action against Sotheby’s, alleging collusion with Swiss art dealer Yves Bouvier to inflate prices on four rare artworks, including the iconic “Salvator Mundi” attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.

Coca-Cola Art and Collectibles in Brief

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From the staggering sale of a Coca-Cola bottle for over $100k to original artworks by renowned artists such as Haddon Sundblom and Norman Rockwell commanding significant prices, the realm of Coca-Cola art has witnessed remarkable transactions that underscore its cultural and monetary value. As we delve into the realm of Coca-Cola art and collectibles, we embark on a journey through time, exploring the profound impact of this iconic brand on art, culture, and the hearts of millions.

Rediscovered Renaissance: Parmigianino’s Hidden Drawing Unveiled in Bologna

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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.

Exploring the Significance of Christian Icons

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The term “icon” finds its roots in the Greek language, derived from the word Εικόνα, pronounced as “Ikona” in Greek and translated to “Icon” in English. It signifies an image or representation, predominantly portraying figures such as Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and saints. Additionally, icons depict events from Christian sources, including the Old and New Testaments, Gospels, the lives of Jesus and saints, and other sacred texts. Icons stand as highly symbolic artworks, laden with profound meaning and character.