Category: Press Releases

Latest Press Releases from the Clients of the World Art News

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

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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.

Record-Breaking Sale: Magnificent World Map Fetches £1.86 Million at Bonhams, Setting New Benchmark for Islamic Scientific Instruments

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A magnificent and extremely rare Islamic Mecca-centred world map, a masterpiece from Safavid Persia, sold for £1.86 million at Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art Sale today (Tuesday 14 November). It had an estimate of £1,500,000-2,000,000. The map, formerly on display at the Harvard Museum of Art, and dating from the last quarter of the 17th century, is the finest and most complete Mecca-centred world map of only three surviving examples (the other two were discovered in 1989 and 1995) and is the most important Islamic scientific instrument ever offered at auction.

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

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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

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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.

Afghan Artists and Cultural Heritage in Extreme Danger: The World is Failing Afghanistan on Two Critical Fronts

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The Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI) urgently called for the safety of Afghan artists who are categorically persecuted by the Taliban as demonstrated in a new report launched today: Artistic Exodus: Afghan Artists Fleeing Taliban Rule. The report, produced in partnership with UC Berkeley Law Pro Bono Program, brings to light the abuse of people working in music, visual arts, performing arts, film and television, literature, museums, cultural heritage sites and arts education since the regime regained control of Afghanistan two years ago. 

Bonhams to Showcase the Helen and David Milling Collection of Arts and Crafts Ceramics and Glass

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The Helen and David Milling Collection, featuring the finest British and American art pottery and glass from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, will be showcased at Bonhams this December. Over the span of half a century, the Michigan couple meticulously assembled an exceptional collection from some of the era’s most renowned potters, designers, and artists. This distinguished assortment comprises more than 350 lots, to be presented across three sales this December: 20th Century Decorative Arts and Ceramics on December 5 in London, Modern Decorative Art & Design on December 12 in New York, and the dedicated Helen and David Milling Online auction from December 8–18 at Bonhams Skinner.

The Pearl Odyssey: A Journey Through Time, Beauty, and Expertise with GemGenève

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Pearls, once considered outdated and too traditional, have made a remarkable resurgence in the world of jewelry in recent years. Symbolizing wealth, prestige, and femininity, pearl jewels have transcended ages, fashions, and styles with unparalleled elegance. Constantly elevated by daring jewelers, pearls hold a special place in the history of jewelry. “The Pearl Odyssey” retraces the captivating story of pearls and their enduring tradition. Through a carefully curated selection of thirty outstanding pieces from esteemed private and heritage collections, alongside previously unseen projects and archival materials, visitors can explore the creativity and expertise developed around the world’s oldest jewel and delve into the science of pearls.

The Dark Side of Everyday Life: Wang Guangyi’s Solo Exhibition “Obscured Existence” in Italy at Palazzo Pitti

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This exhibition, comprising 28 masterful paintings by the renowned artist Wang Guangyi, guides visitors through four distinct cycles. These cycles delve into the underlying essence of the ritualistic nature of daily gestures and the use of common objects. Simultaneously, the works delve into the profound impact of one’s cultural background on the interpretation of art. The journey begins with “Daily Life,” a series of paintings focusing on the intimacy of small, everyday gestures performed by each of us. Within this initial series, Wang Guangyi portrays moments of private life, capturing individuals in vulnerable states, emphasizing how the ordinary can attain ritualistic significance.

Dutch Artist Willem Vos to Exhibit in China with a Message “Art is Freedom”

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Renowned Dutch artist Willem Vos is embarking on a cultural odyssey to China as he collaborates with the Hong Art Museum in Chongqing and Pashmin Art Consortia from Germany to present their highly anticipated exhibition, “Transcendence: A Fusion of Art and Culture.” The exhibition will run from November 28, 2023, to February 28, 2024. This immersive showcase of contemporary artistic expressions promises to transport visitors into a vibrant tapestry of European cultural heritage, brought to life in the heart of Chongqing, China.

Saudi Sensation: Shalimar Sharbatly’s Impact on Mercedes-Benz’s AMG GT Coupe Design

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In the realm of supercars, where innovation is the lifeblood and aesthetics and design reign supreme, it is intriguing how unexpected sources can serve as wellsprings of inspiration. A recent Instagram post has shed light on a remarkable confluence between fine art and automotive design, unmistakably revealing that the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Coupe Design Team has drawn inspiration from the works of Shalimar Sharbatly, a trailblazer in the realm of “Moving Art.” This revelation has ignited a fervor of excitement among enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.