Art Research

Research into artworks, attribution, provenance, and interpretation. Features and interviews examine the evidence, methods, and competing readings used to understand objects and their place in art history.

Salvator Mundi: a Bone of Contention – Prominent Art Restorer Speaks Out

Salvator Mundi is a remarkable painting by Leonardo da Vinci, known for its record-breaking sale of $450 million. This renowned artwork possesses a long and intriguing history, with some experts dating its creation back to the late 1490s, while others argue it was completed after 1500. There is a theory suggesting that it may have been commissioned for King Louis XII of France and his consort, Anne of Brittany, possibly soon after the conquests of Milan and Genoa. However, it is important to note that not all historians accept this theory. By delving into the painting’s history from its inception to the present day, we can observe the impact of the art market, pricing, and the various interventions it has undergone.

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

Close-up of a reddish drawing of a man with long wavy hair and a beard.

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 – Exclusive Interview with Senior Master Conservator & Restorer Venizelos G. Gavrilakis | Part 4

Gloved conservator wearing a magnifying visor and using a fine tool and cotton swab on a painted portrait.

VENIS STUDIOS 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. Here’s Part 4 of that conversation.

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

Gloved conservator using a microscope and fine hand tool on a painted panel illuminated by a work lamp.

VENIS STUDIOS 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. Here’s Part 3 of that conversation.

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

Conservator using fine hand tools on a surface decorated with contrasting floral and geometric patterns.

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. Here’s Part 2 of that conversation.

The Royal FAUST – One of the Rarest Antique Books in the World … That You Can Actually Buy

Goethe's Faust, First Part - Erster Theil. Auguste von Kreiling, Friedr. Bruckmann’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 “Faust” 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 APPRAISAL: Understanding and Auditing – Everything You Need To Know

Illustration of a man’s portrait beside gold-colored columns arranged as a bar chart.

Every day thousands of art market participants find themselves in search of a ‘good art appraisal’ 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?