The auction was a resounding success, generating a total of ยฃ713,344. An impressive 91% of the lots were sold, with 97% sold by value, reflecting the strong demand and competitive bidding. The star of the auction was a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, stainless-steel automatic chronograph bracelet watch, reference 116500LN, circa 2019. Known as the LN reference ‘lunette noir’ due to its black Cerachrom bezel and white dial, this sought-after piece surpassed its pre-sale estimate, fetching ยฃ20,480.
The highlight of the auction was an extraordinarily rare Meissen group of lovers with a birdcage, which sold for โฌ171,850, 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 โฌ127,400, exceeding its low estimate by over six times.
In New York, during Bonhams Fine Books and Manuscripts sale on April 10, a significant highlight emerged as a rare Gimbels Department Store version of the M101-4 1916 Babe Ruth Rookie Card fetched an impressive $762,500, surpassing its initial estimate. This particular card, renowned as one of the most sought-after trading cards in existence, carries historical significance dating back over a century.
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, โThis is one of the strongest results weโve 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.
Zdzislaw Beksinski (1929-2005), the renowned Polish artist, continues to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide as one of his significant pieces, an oil on panel, soared to a remarkable โฌ91,840 at the recent Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr Surrealist Sale in Paris on March 27, 2024. The painting, which had a pre-sale estimate ranging from โฌ50,000 to โฌ70,000, emerged as one of the highlights of the event, drawing attention for its profound artistic expression.
In a notable display of support for female artists, the Musรฉe dโArts 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.
On March 20, 2024, at Bonhams Knightsbridge, a significant literary artifact changed hands as an uncorrected proof copy of “Harry Potter and the Philosopherโs Stone” by J.K. Rowling, dating back to 1997, was auctioned off. The item, which bore Rowling’s inscription and signature, sold for ยฃ35,840 ($45,000), falling within the pre-sale estimate range of ยฃ30,000-50,000 ($37,000-63,000).
A very rare first edition and authorโs presentation copy of Charles Darwinโs groundbreaking work, “On the Origin of Species,” fetched an astonishing ยฃ305,200 ($384,000) at Bonhams Fine Books and Manuscripts Sale held on March 20, 2024. This price surpassed its initial estimate by over double, marking a significant moment in literary auction history. The auction saw a total sale of ยฃ1,308,337 ($1,648,000), with an impressive 93% of the lots sold by volume and an astounding 99% sold by value.
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.
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.
