HOLLYWOOD CLASSIC: Rare Laurel and Hardy Painting Goes Up for Auction in DallasThe Bones of the EarthGroundbreaking study on Leonardo da Vinci’s red chalk drawing reveals the face of Federico da MontefeltroCustom ‘Elvis Presley’ Triumph Motorcycle and Guitar Hit Auction Block for Charity
Jodi the Nanotyrannus Sells for US$47.3 Million at Sotheby’sQianlong Emperor’s Jewel-Encrusted Gold Ewer Sells for US$7.11 Million at Christie’sHockney’s €282,200 Print Leads Warhol and Banksy in €1.06 Million Bonhams SaleMV Agusta Sells for $1.3 Million, Setting an Italian Motorcycle Auction RecordEnigma Machine Sells for £203,600 at Bonhams: Inside the 1941 Cipher DeviceUzo Egonu’s Will Knowledge Safeguard Freedom I Sets Auction Record at £198,900Yusuf Grillo’s One Man Band Sets Artist Auction Record at £461,300Ben Enwonwu’s Anyanwu Sells for £602,100, Setting a Sculpture Record at BonhamsRare Gandhi Portrait Achieves £152,800, Tripling Its EstimateBanksy’s British Cool Mickey Snake Triumphs at Bonhams, Selling for £330,600Whistler’s First Portrait Commission Sells for Five Times Estimate, Fetching $495,000Bridget Riley Stuns Art World as Myrrh Soars to $2.36M at BonhamsReception in the Harem: Discovered Masterpiece by John Frederick Lewis Shatters Expectations, Selling for Almost $1.5 MillionRare Qianlong 'Dragon' Vase Stuns at Auction, Sells for $3.7 Million—Over Six Times Its EstimateRenowned Vietnamese Artist Nguyen Gia Tri’s War Painting Fetches Over $500,000 at Bonhams

Antique Icons

The Consequences of Overpainting in Icons and Works of Art

By on • ( 1 Comment )
Conservator working with fine tools on the blue and gold surface of an icon.

Beneath the layers of vibrant paint and gilded halos on historical icons lies a silent tragedy—centuries of overpainting have distorted their authenticity, erasing delicate details and obscuring the original artist’s intent. Often done by untrained hands under the guise of “restoration,” these interventions can do more harm than good, leaving behind a counterfeit version of history. How can we uncover the truth hidden beneath these layers, and what risks are involved in reversing the damage? Explore the delicate balance between preservation and destruction in the art world’s most challenging dilemma.

Art and Science of Conservation and Restoration

By on • ( 1 Comment )
Venizelos G. Gavrilakis examining a Roberto Crippa painting through a microscope.

Artwork conservation and restoration is a scientific field that necessitates a clear understanding of the term “conservation and restoration” and its purpose. This understanding helps us recognize its necessity and the significant contributions it makes to cultural, social, artistic, and historical spheres. It underscores the imperative need for the conservation and restoration of each work of art.

Preserving the Legacy of Christian Icons

By on

Christian icons, revered as sacred depictions of Christianity and esteemed as historical art masterpieces, have withstood the test of time, serving as potent symbols of faith and repositories of theological teachings. Despite their spiritual significance, icons are susceptible to threats from environmental elements, human intervention, and natural calamities. The preservation and restoration of these icons necessitate specialized knowledge, skills, and a profound sensitivity to their religious and cultural significance.

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

By on • ( 1 Comment )

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.

Rare Byzantine Treasure Resurrected: Restoring the Sacred ‘Ierosolimitiko’ Icon Unites Past and Present

By on • ( 1 Comment )
Detail of the Ierosolimitiko icon showing dark scenes on the left and brightly coloured scenes on the right.

In this captivating story, a team of experts from Venis Studios undertakes an extraordinary conservation and restoration journey to revive a rare and historically significant “Ierosolimitiko” icon found within Kuruçeşme’s Saint Demetrius church in Istanbul. The remarkable artwork, depicting Jerusalem and the Holy Land, suffered severe damage and wear over time, but through meticulous scientific research and traditional techniques, the team successfully brought it back to life. The restoration process involved delicate cleaning, selective retouching, and careful lining interventions to provide stable support for the ancient canvas. The hidden beauty of the sacred icon was unveiled, capturing the imagination of viewers as they discover its profound religious and artistic significance. The successful preservation of this ancient treasure not only rescues memories from the Holy Lands but also safeguards tradition and history, bridging the gap between the past and the present.