Tag: Art Prices

Historic Dalai Lama Sale at Bonhams Breaks Records with Krishna Kanwalโ€™s Watercolors and Sir Basil Gouldโ€™s Archive

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The Dalai Lama on the Throne

Discover the remarkable story behind Sir Basil Gouldโ€™s historic collectionโ€”featuring exclusive artworks, rare photographs, and personal artifacts from Tibetโ€™s most pivotal moments. From Krishna Kanwalโ€™s evocative watercolors capturing the enthronement of the young Dalai Lama to Gouldโ€™s intimate archive of images and memorabilia, this auction offers a rare glimpse into a transformative chapter of Tibetan history. Uncover the full story of this extraordinary sale and the figures who shaped itโ€”an event that achieved nearly a million pounds in just one day.

Rare Gandhi Portrait Achieves ยฃ152,800, Tripling Its Estimate

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Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi by Clare Leighton

Discover the extraordinary story behind a rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi that recently shattered auction records. Created by Clare Leightonโ€”an artist who personally met Gandhi during a pivotal moment in historyโ€”this painting is more than just a work of art; itโ€™s a unique glimpse into a legendary leaderโ€™s life. From its remarkable journey through history to its astonishing sale price, uncover the fascinating details that make this portrait a true treasure for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Dive into the full story to learn why this artwork captivated the world and what it reveals about Gandhiโ€™s enduring legacy.

Whistlerโ€™s First Portrait Commission Sells for Five Times Estimate, Fetching $495,000

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When a long-hidden portrait by James McNeill Whistlerโ€”his very first commissioned workโ€”resurfaced after nearly six decades in private hands, it sparked a frenzy that few in the art world saw coming. Auctioned for over five times its estimate, the paintingโ€™s dramatic return to the spotlight is more than just a story of numbers. Behind the canvas lies a deeply personal connection between the young artist and the Ionides family, early patrons who helped shape his rise to fame. From its quiet presence in Victorian homes to its record-breaking moment at Bonhams, this extraordinary work carries with it a rich legacy waiting to be uncovered.

Bridget Riley Stuns Art World as Myrrh Soars to $2.36M at Bonhams

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A legendary pioneer of Op Art, Bridget Riley just made headlines againโ€”this time with a dazzling canvas from her Egypt series that ignited a bidding war at Bonhams. At 93, Riley isnโ€™t just relevantโ€”sheโ€™s setting records. Discover why Myrrh, a work painted four decades ago, became the crown jewel of the evening and what it says about the enduring power of colour, perception, and artistic legacy.

Reception in the Harem: Discovered Masterpiece by John Frederick Lewis Shatters Expectations, Selling for Almost $1.5 Million

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A long-lost masterpiece by John Frederick Lewis, A Reception in the Harem, has emerged from obscurity after more than 60 years, stunning collectors and experts alike. The extraordinary watercolour, once hidden away in a private collection, shattered expectations when it fetched almost $1.5 million at Bonhamsโ€™ prestigious 19th Century & Orientalist Paintings auction in London. With its vivid colours and intricate detail, this rediscovered gem is one of the most significant discoveries in the art world this year.

African Artist Sekoto Shatters Expectations at Auction, Selling for Over Half a Million USDโ€”Four Times the Estimate

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The late South African artist Gerard Sekoto has once again proven his lasting impact on the art world, with his masterpiece The Artistโ€™s Brother selling for an astonishing ยฃ406,000 ($528,000) at Bonhamsโ€™ Modern & Contemporary African Art saleโ€”more than four times its original estimate of ยฃ100,000-150,000 ($130,000-195,000).

Greek Modernist Tsarouchis’ Eros Masterpiece Sets New World Record at Paris Auction

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A stunning masterpiece by Greek modernist Yannis Tsarouchis has shattered records at a high-profile Paris auction, fetching an astonishing โ‚ฌ571,900. This bold and evocative painting “Youth posing as Eros next to an English chair” exemplifies Tsarouchisโ€™s signature exploration of cultural and sexual identity, drawing global attention to his lasting influence. With art collectors vying for works from Greeceโ€™s most celebrated eras, this sale marks a new chapter in the appreciation of Greek modernism. Discover how Tsarouchisโ€™s legacy continues to captivate the world.

Renowned Vietnamese Artist Nguyen Gia Triโ€™s War Painting Fetches Over $500,000 at Bonhams

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A rare war painting by Vietnamese artist Nguyแป…n Gia Trรญ recently sold for over $500,000 at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr’s online auction in Paris, surpassing expectations by a remarkable margin. Titled Battle of the River Bแบกch ฤแบฑng, this large-scale lacquer work portrays the historic 1288 naval victory led by General Trแบงn Hฦฐng ฤแบกo against the Mongol fleet. With its masterful execution and rich historical narrative, the painting not only highlights Nguyแป…n Gia Trรญ’s skill in blending traditional and Western artistic influences, but also underscores the growing international demand for Vietnamese art. Read the full article to see this masterpiece and learn more about its remarkable sale.

Surrealist Prints Achieve Historic White Glove Success with 100% of Lots Sold at Auction

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Amid continued strong demand for Surrealist art, Bonhams achieved ‘white glove’ resultsโ€”100% of lots soldโ€”for Surrealist Treasures | The Urban S. Hirsch III Collection. The highly anticipated auction, which concluded on January 17 in Los Angeles, garnered an astonishing $778,000 in total sales, with numerous lots exceeding pre-sale estimates and setting new records.

A Love Letter to India: Sayed Haider Razaโ€™s La Terre Sells for Record-Breaking $4.2 Million

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In a historic moment for South Asian art, Sayed Haider Razaโ€™s ‘La Terre’โ€”an evocative masterpiece described as the artistโ€™s โ€œlove letter to Indiaโ€โ€”has shattered records at Bonhams in London, selling for an astonishing $4.2 million. Painted in 1985, the monumental work captures Razaโ€™s deep connection to his Indian heritage through its striking geometric abstraction and earthy palette. This landmark sale not only highlights the growing global appreciation for modern Indian art but also cements Razaโ€™s legacy as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Discover the story behind the painting, its spiritual roots, and its journey to the auction block.