David Rosenstein

David Rosenstein contributes to The World Art News with reporting and commentary on art, cultural heritage and the market. Rosenstein’s published work examines the histories of collectible objects alongside questions of ownership, accountability and the public significance of art.

ART WAR: Sotheby’s Emerges Victorious in Russian Billionaire’s Battle Over Alleged Fraud

In a riveting conclusion to a three-week trial, a federal jury ruled in favor of Sotheby’s on Tuesday, dispelling the accusations of Russian billionaire oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev, who claimed the prestigious auction house defrauded him of tens of millions of dollars in art sales. The drama unfolded as Rybolovlev accused Sotheby’s of conspiring with Swiss art dealer Yves Bouvier to inflate prices for four significant works, including the famed “Salvator Mundi” attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.

Protesters Throw Soup at Mona Lisa Amidst French Farmer Demonstrations | VIDEO

In a bold act of protest, two climate activists from the “Food Riposte” group targeted the iconic Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday. As they hurled soup at the protective glass encasing Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the activists passionately advocated for a sustainable food system, questioning the prioritization of art over the right to healthy and sustainable food. The incident unfolded in a video shared on social media, featuring two women adorned with “FOOD RIPOSTE” on their T-shirts breaching security barriers to approach the painting. Their impassioned slogans echoed concerns about the agricultural system, claiming it to be ailing and causing harm to farmers. Louvre employees swiftly responded by placing black panels in front of the Mona Lisa and evacuating the room.

ART WAR: Russian Billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev vs. Sotheby’s in Epic $232.5 Million Art Fraud Trial

In a high-stakes legal showdown gripping the art world, Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev accuses renowned auction house Sotheby’s of orchestrating an elaborate art scam that cost him millions. The trial, underway in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, has thrust the secretive dealings of the art industry into the spotlight. Rybolovlev, with a net worth of $11.5 billion, made headlines as he pursued legal action against Sotheby’s, alleging collusion with Swiss art dealer Yves Bouvier to inflate prices on four rare artworks, including the iconic “Salvator Mundi” attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.

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.

DISCOVERED: Stunning 1880 Masonic Grand Master’s Gold Jewel – One of the Largest in the World | Exclusive Photos

Gold Masonic medallion with blue Grand Lodge of Illinois enamel, square and compasses, and a radiant sun.

The world has been fascinated with Freemasons for centuries.

Countless books, articles, documentaries, even Hollywood films have been made about this ancient society.

Yet, most people don’t really know much about the Masonry, their history, culture, traditions, and they certainly don’t often encounter Masonic artifacts in their daily lives.

For this reason The World Art News is especially excited to share with our audience Exclusive HD Photos of one of the largest and most spectacular Masonic Gold Jewels in North America and possibly the World!