A legendary pioneer of Op Art, Bridget Riley just made headlines againโthis time with a dazzling canvas from her Egypt series that ignited a bidding war at Bonhams. At 93, Riley isnโt just relevantโsheโs 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.
One of the most significant works by renowned Egyptian modernist Hamed Nada, Battle for Liberation (Maerakat al-Tahrir), stunned the art world at Bonhamsโ Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art sale, fetching $274,000โmore than triple its pre-sale estimate. Exhibited at a landmark Paris show in 1971, this extraordinary painting captivated collectors with its powerful historical significance and unique provenance. Continue reading to explore HD photos of this Middle Eastern masterpiece.
In a landmark moment for art history, a 14th-century Sarghitmish mosque lamp from Egypt has shattered records, fetching an extraordinary ยฃ5,130,400 ($6.56 million) at Bonhamsโ Islamic and Indian Art Sale in London on November 12, 2024. The sale attracted intense competition both in the room and via phone bidders, solidifying the lamp’s status as the most expensive glass object ever sold at auction. Initially estimated at ยฃ600,000-1,000,000 ($785,000-1,300,000), the lamp’s final price far exceeded expectations.
A rare and historically significant 14th-century Mamluk mosque lamp from Egypt, known as the Sarghitmish lamp, will be a highlight at Bonhams’ Islamic and Indian Art Sale on 12 November 2024. With an estimated value of ยฃ600,000-1,000,000, this exquisite piece of Islamic glassware boasts impeccable provenance, having been in the family of Egypt’s first Prime Minister, Nubar Pasha, for over a century. The lamp, commissioned by Emir Sarghitmish during the reign of Sultan an-Nasir Muhammad, is adorned with intricate enamel and gilded inscriptions, blending piety and politics in its design. Its rich exhibition history includes displays in some of Paris’ most prominent museums, making it one of the most important examples of medieval Islamic craftsmanship ever offered at auction.
