Tag: Art History

Raphael’s First Signed Painting: The “Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine” of Città di Castello

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Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine, Raphael

In 2010 the “(crypto)signature” in stylized letters “RAFFAEL SANT PXT” and the date 1501 in Roman numerals “MDI” were discovered inserted in the arabesque decoration of the border of Saint Catherine’s mantle.

The presence of Raphael in Città di Castello in those years is proven by the historical sources and consolidated by studies and therefore the date shown on the “small tablet or small panel painting” is perfectly consistent with the biographical events of the Artist.

Moreover, Raphael’s practice of affixing his signature and cryptosignature on paintings was his typical habit during his youthful period and it was also a practice of many other artists before becoming famous.

The Enigma of Raphael – Price Analysis and History of the Legendary Artist

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Raphael’s incredible works of art were already desired when he was alive. After his passing they became real cult objects and remained as such to this day.

An endless bibliography has dealt with the Raphaelesque myth and the desire to attribute works to his authorship has led over the centuries the scholars to recognize his hand where it wasn’t and not to take it into account even in cases where the documents said the opposite.

On the art market, the demand for Raphael’s paintings has always been characterized by very high values and this, of course, is an important factor of reflection to consider, which can sometimes become the keystone for the interpretation of attributive events.

Top 15 Most Unusual Museums You Should Consider Visiting in America

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The American Museum of Natural History.

These are familiar institutions that you may have visited, considered visiting, or heard of in passing.

While these landmarks are popular for a reason, there are tens of thousands of other museums across the U.S. that many people are not as familiar with.

And that’s a shame, since these off-the-wall stops consist of enriching, unique exhibits that may convert even the most stubborn of museum doubters. 

PIGUET HISTORICAL AUCTION: The World Swiss Foundation & The Minkoff Collection | Total $3-4 Million

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PIGUET HISTORICAL AUCTION – Total Estimate: 3-4 Million CHF

The World Swiss Foundation – over 500 lots.

The Minkoff Collection – over 300 lots.

Rare oil painting by Ferdinand Hodler.

Bronze by Rembrandt Bugatti from Alain Delon’s collection.

Many exceptional historical treasures are listed at auction for the First Time!

20 – 21 September, 2022 | Geneva, Switzerland

Who is DovBer Marchette

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Founder of the ‘Pura’ art movement, Jewish-American artist DovBer Marchette has explored unique ideas in the creative process for over 50 years.

Trained as a professional sculptor, his body of work actually represents a wide range of materials and concepts from the modern art world.

Currently DovBer works mainly with wood sculpture as well as painting, drawing, and photography.

“I continually explore the idea of unlimited creative possibilities within strong boundaries. I limit certain factors such as my color palette and working with resources that are available in the moment.”

The Great Spadolini – Dance, Art & Espionage

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The Spy with License to Dance … and Paint!

This isn’t a fictional book by Ian Fleming, nor an imaginary film about the world’s most famous secret agent.

The “James Bond” we’re talking about here is Italian, and his name is Alberto Spadolini (1907 – 1972).

He was sexy and daring like 007, surrounded by fascinating women and celebrities of the international jet set, continually moving between different milieux – showbiz, politics, sophisticated circles, and war scenarios.

The only difference is – he was real.

Rare Porcelain from Imperial Russia by Philip Batenin

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This small bell shaped tea cup, manufactured in 1830s by the famous Batenin Porcelain Factory that belonged to a wealthy merchant Philip Batenin, is a perfect example of valuable antique porcelain from the Imperial Russia. The cup features one of the rarest views ever depicted on Batenin’s creations, the Smolny Cathedral on the Neva River, which is painted completely by hand.

A similar cylindrical cup with a view of the Smolny Cathedral was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in June 2007 for £2400. Another is located in the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Nowadays, Batenin’s porcelain is quite rare and highly prized among collectors.

Reb Nachman’s Second Chair – Hasidic Holy Relic Worth $10 Million

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Reb Nachman’s Second Chair

The World Art News presents one of the Holiest Jewish Relics that is known to exist in a private collection – the Second Chair of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (1772 – 1810).

With the Star of David in the front, a hypnotic Jewish Rabbi in the center, and a Yiddish inscription of Reb Nachman’s name on the back, this chair is stunning in its craftsmanship and Judaic beauty. The aura of history radiates from this rare artifact.

Reb Nachman remains among the most quoted Hasidic masters and to this day tens of thousands of Jews from all over the world travel to his burial site as part of their annual pilgrimage.

How Russian Czar’s Library Ended Up In America

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Most people in the United States, Russia, and the World don’t know that more than 2,500 volumes from the personal library of the Russia’s Royal Family are in the possession of the Library of Congress of the United States.

This priceless collection was formed in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg’s, Imperial Russia. It survived WWI, the 1917 Revolution as well as the Civil War that followed, eventually ending up in America.

This is the fascinating story of how it happened, told exclusively to the World Art News by a researcher who worked with these rare books.

Is Saudi Prince About To Buy $36M Chinese Ming Dynasty Statuettes

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After our first publication about these rare $36 Million Chinese Ming Dynasty statuettes, The World Art News received further questions regarding their provenance, authenticity, valuation, and who may be the potential buyer of these unique artifacts. For answers we went straight to the source and took a sensational, exclusive, and provocative in-depth interview with their current owner, prof. Mikhail Tamoikin, Ph.D.

Professor Tamoikin was surprisingly candid with us and gave stunning answers to all our questions. If you ever wandered how the super-rich do business, negotiate, and operate in the art market, this interview is a Must-Read!