Tag: Art Sales

Lost Masterpiece by John Piper Fetches $401,000 at Auction

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A long-lost six-foot abstract painting by renowned British artist John Piper (1903-1992) has surfaced, drawing significant attention at Bonhamsโ€™ Modern British & Irish Art sale on 19 June at Bonhams New Bond Street, London. The painting, titled Painting, 1936 (Forms on Dark Blue), had been part of a prestigious family collection since its creation and had never been offered at auction. Its reappearance and subsequent sale for ยฃ317,900 ($401,000) marked a highlight of the auction, which saw substantial interest from collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

Rembrandt Bugatti Bronze Sculpture Sets World Record, Selling for โ‚ฌ3,678,400 at Bonhams Auction

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In a thrilling auction event, a remarkable bronze sculpture by Rembrandt Bugatti has set a new world record, fetching an impressive โ‚ฌ3,678,400 at Bonhamsโ€™ Impressionist and Modern Sale on June 5, 2024. The 69-lot auction, which amassed a total of โ‚ฌ5,207,738, witnessed fierce bidding for this iconic piece, culminating in enthusiastic applause when the hammer finally fell.

Meissen Porcelain Prices Surge, Nearly Doubling Pre-Sale Estimates

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The highlight of the auction was an extraordinarily rare Meissen group of lovers with a birdcage, which sold for โ‚ฌ171,850, more than quadrupling its low estimate. This piece, first documented in the work records of J.J. Kaendler in March 1741, captivated bidders with its historical significance and intricate craftsmanship. Another standout item was a rare Meissen crinoline figure of a lady from around 1737, which fetched โ‚ฌ127,400, exceeding its low estimate by over six times.

Rare 15th Century Astrolabe Fetches Over $600,000 Doubling Pre-Sale Expectations

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In a surprising turn of events at Bonhamsโ€™ Important Instruments of Science and Technology Sale in London on April 24th, a remarkably rare 15th-century astrolabe soared past its pre-sale estimate, fetching an impressive ยฃ508,400 ($635,000). Jon Baddeley, a specialist at Bonhams, expressed his astonishment at the outcome, stating, โ€œThis is one of the strongest results weโ€™ve seen at auction at Bonhams Knightsbridge in the past decade.โ€ Describing the astrolabe as an “early smartphone of sorts,” Baddeley emphasized its multifaceted utility, noting its significance in timekeeping, navigation, celestial observation, and even decision-making.

Rare Basquiat Masterpieces Worth Over $60,000,000 Unveiled by Phillips

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The spotlight shines brightly on the monumental 1982 masterpiece, estimated to fetch a staggering $40-60 million. This captivating piece, dubbed ‘Untitled (ELMAR),’ commands attention with its sheer scale and intricate symbolism. Acquired by the Pellizzi Family just two years after its creation, this eight-foot-wide marvel stands as a testament to Basquiat’s transformative journey from street art prodigy to gallery luminary. Rich in iconography and imbued with self-referential imagery, ‘Untitled (ELMAR)’ offers a profound exploration of duality within the artist’s identity, encapsulating the essence of Basquiat at the zenith of his creative prowess.

Legendary Admiral Lord Nelson’s Memorabilia Up for Auction

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Admiral Lord Nelson’s indelible mark on British history extends far beyond his iconic victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. His naval prowess, coupled with his captivating personal life, continues to captivate the public imagination. This April, Bonhams Knightsbridge is set to showcase a remarkable collection of memorabilia celebrating Nelson’s legacy in two distinct sales: Nelson Forever! A Naval Legacy in Ceramics and Glass on April 23, followed by the Marine Sale on April 24.

Musรฉe d’Arts de Nantes Acquires Jane Graverol’s Painting for Over โ‚ฌ71,000

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In a notable display of support for female artists, the Musรฉe dโ€™Arts de Nantes (France) exercised its right under French law to pre-empt the final bids on three paintings at the recent Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr Surrealist Sale in Paris. The museum’s proactive stance in securing these artworks highlights its commitment to promoting gender diversity in the arts and enriching its collection with significant contributions from women artists.

Important Vasily Polenov Masterpiece Sells for $1.7 Million at Bonhams, Setting a World Record

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In a remarkable event at Bonhams 19th century and British Impressionist Art Sale today, an exquisite oil on canvas by Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov (1844-1927) stole the spotlight, fetching an astonishing ยฃ1,379,000 ($1,760,000). The painting, titled ‘And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept’, is a part of Polenov’s renowned series, ‘The Life of Christ’. Initially estimated to sell for ยฃ400,000-600,000, the final price far exceeded expectations, marking a significant moment in the art world.

Ultra-Rare $2 Million Turkish Medallion of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, Who Conquered Constantinople, To Be Auctioned in London

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An extraordinary rediscovery in the world of Islamic art has emerged as a bronze portrait medallion of Sultan Mehmed II, predating his historic conquest of Constantinople, prepares to take the spotlight at Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art Sale on Tuesday, May 21. The event will be held at Bonhams New Bond Street location in London, where art enthusiasts and historians alike will have the opportunity to witness this remarkable artifact.

Rothko’s Most Expensive Painting “No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red)” Sold Again!

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One of the most notable sales in the art world occurred in 2014 when Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev purchased Rothko’s renowned 1951 masterpiece, “No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red),” from Swiss art dealer Yves Bouvier for a staggering $186 million. While this record-breaking sale brought significant media attention, it also entangled the artwork in the notorious Bouvier Affair, a scandal that reverberated throughout the art world shortly after.