Category: Investigations

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

The “Byzantine Mona Lisa” Discovered in Istanbul

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In a church on the Princes’ Islands of Istanbul, a masterpiece and Byzantine treasure awaited discovery. This unique bilateral post-Byzantine icon of Panagia Eleousa held a peculiar feature: on its reverse side, there was another painted icon from the 14th century, which had remained “hidden” for over a hundred years inside a heavy metal box, kept in the Church of Panagia Eleousa on Bรผyรผkada/Pringipos. This magnificent, rare, and unique artifact, often regarded as the Byzantine Mona Lisa, has endured through the centuries, conveying numerous historical, social, and artistic messages. With the expertise of a conservator, who tends to it as an art doctor, it has been safeguarded for future generations. Currently, this masterpiece is housed at the Church of Panagia Eleousa in Bรผyรผkada/Pringipos, Istanbul.

Art & Drugs: An Enigmatic Journey through Tragic Tales of Famous Artists

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In the realm of art, there exists an enigmatic connection to the world of drugsโ€”an allure that has enticed and ensnared countless renowned artists throughout history. These tragic tales, punctuated by creativity, self-destruction, and haunting masterpieces, reveal the profound impact drugs can have on artistic expression. Let us embark on a journey through the lives of famous artists, exploring their tumultuous relationships with drugs and the indelible mark it left on their art.

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

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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.

THE ART DOCTOR โ€“ Exclusive Interview with Senior Master Conservator & Restorer Venizelos G. Gavrilakis | Part 4

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VENIS STUDIOSย is a company that specializes in the conservation and restoration of historic artworks and antiquities, combining the scientific and artistic aspects of conservation and restoration. It undertakes conservation and restoration projects of all fixed and portable works of art such as paintings, icon panels, artworks, antiques, historical monuments, etc., in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Jordan, United States, and many other nations. Its purpose is to save artifacts and artworks by combining science with art. Recently, The World Art News had the pleasure to interview its President, Venizelos G. Gavrilakis, who shared with us fascinating images, stories, and facts about his unique art career. Hereโ€™s Part 4 of that conversation.

THE ART DOCTOR โ€“ Exclusive Interview with Senior Master Conservator & Restorer Venizelos G. Gavrilakis | Part 3

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VENIS STUDIOSย is a company that specializes in the conservation and restoration of historic artworks and antiquities, combining the scientific and artistic aspects of conservation and restoration. It undertakes conservation and restoration projects of all fixed and portable works of art such as paintings, icon panels, artworks, antiques, historical monuments, etc., in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Jordan, United States, and many other nations. Its purpose is to save artifacts and artworks by combining science with art. Recently, The World Art News had the pleasure to interview its President, Venizelos G. Gavrilakis, who shared with us fascinating images, stories, and facts about his unique art career. Hereโ€™s Part 3 of that conversation.

THE ART DOCTOR โ€“ Exclusive Interview with Senior Master Conservator & Restorer Venizelos G. Gavrilakis | Part 2

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VENIS STUDIOS is a company that undertakes conservation and restoration projects of all fixed and portable works of art such as paintings, icon panels, artworks, antiques, historical monuments, etc., in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Jordan, United States, and many other nations. Its purpose is to save artifacts and artworks by combining science with art. Recently, The World Art News had the pleasure to interview its President, Venizelos G. Gavrilakis, who shared with us fascinating images, stories, and facts about his unique art career. Hereโ€™s Part 2 of that conversation.

The Royal FAUST โ€“ One of the Rarest Antique Books in the World โ€ฆ That You Can Actually Buy

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Goethe's Faust, First Part - Erster Theil. Auguste von Kreiling, Friedr. Bruckmannโ€™s Verlag 1875, 1876, 1877, 52 x 39 cm

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 โ€œFaustโ€ 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.

Art Dealer’s Daily Dangers … and Safety Measures

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Art dealing can be a glamorous and lucrative business, but it can also be incredibly dangerous. In recent years, there have been numerous cases of art dealers falling victim to theft, fraud, and even violence. According to reports by the FBI, Interpol, and the Art Loss Register, there were over 24,700 reported cases of art theft between 2008 and 2022, with the value of stolen art during this period surpassing more than $11 billion. These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the risks that art dealers face in their line of work.

Breaking Down Elements Behind Sascha Fonseca’s Award-Winning Wildlife Photo “World of the Snow Leopard”

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The indigenous peoples of the Indian Himalayas call them “the ghost of the mountain.” The moniker fits; with its thick, whitish-grey fur that blends perfectly with its icy local habitat, the snow leopard seems made for camouflage. This is not, however, enough to protect it from poaching or the ruinous effects of climate change. Not only are snow leopards difficult to findโ€”there are now fewer of them to see. This is why the snow leopard is the subject of the photograph that won Sascha Fonseca the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award. The London Natural History Museum hostsย this photography competitionย to highlight the connection between photography, science, and art.

ART APPRAISAL: Understanding and Auditing – Everything You Need To Know

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Every day thousands of art market participants find themselves in search of a โ€˜good art appraisalโ€™ that will suit their specific needs. Even more art owners are already in possession of such valuation documents, which they use for important legal purposes. At the same time, we all know that art appraising process can be a little intimidating. Many people rely completely on the guidance of the first art experts they meet without doing their homework on the expert and, more impartially, the process involved. In this article, I would like to share everything you need to know as a client about the process of art appraisal. We will discuss the purpose of these documents, how to audit them yourself, what standards should good appraisers follow, and much more. But, first things first – what is art appraisal?