Tag: Europe

Meissen Porcelain Prices Surge, Nearly Doubling Pre-Sale Estimates

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.

Mary Magdalene: Raphael’s Forgotten Masterpiece Valued at 300 Million Euros

Today marks the end of the exhibition of Raphaelโ€™s forgotten masterpiece, โ€œMary Magdalene,โ€ organized by the Department of Var with support from the Ministry of Culture. Exhibited since April 20 in the Sacristy of the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, the third most significant tomb in Christianity after those in Jerusalem and Saint Peterโ€™s Basilica in Rome, where Mary Magdaleneโ€™s tomb is located. Mary Magdalene is considered the apostle to the apostles of Christ.

Exclusive Interview with Renowned Slovenian Contemporary Artist Michael Gregorjev Murn | Part 1

Renowned Slovenian contemporary artist Michael Gregorjev Murn takes us on a journey through his vibrant career in this exclusive interview. Growing up in the small village of Reteฤe near ล kofja Loka, Murn was surrounded by a family rich in artistic talent, fostering his early creative spirit. His passion for art and entrepreneurship ignited at the age of ten, setting the stage for a lifetime of innovation. Murn discusses his evolving art style, blending kitsch, style, and beauty, and employing diverse materials from acrylic paint to retro items. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his journey, the significant events shaping his development, and his commitment to supporting other artists. As Michael prepares for his solo show at Miart Gallery in London, he invites viewers to engage deeply with the emotions and stories in his work.

Swedish Artist and Musician Maj-Britt Niklasson to Showcase Inner Universe in Beijing Exhibition

Swedish artist, musician, and writer Maj-Britt Niklasson is set to grace the Archive Art Museum in Beijing with her captivating works, offering a glimpse into the depths of the human psyche through her intricate oil paintings on canvas. The exhibition, curated by David Khazaie and Nour Nouri of Pashmin Art in Hamburg, promises to be a celebration of art’s ability to transcend borders and unite cultures.

The Only Known Cased Superimposed Load Pistol to be Sold at Bonhams’ Arms & Armour Auction

A remarkable find in the world of antique firearms, a cased 15-bore percussion four-shot superimposed load officerโ€™s pistol, believed to be the only one of its kind, will take center stage at Bonhamsโ€™ upcoming auction of Antique Arms & Armour in London. The auction, which will also include items from the esteemed Per T. Norheim Collection and Modern Sporting Guns, is scheduled to run online from May 13 to May 22 on Bonhams.com

Ethical Dilemmas in Art Conservation and Restoration: Preserving the Sacred Legacy of Christian Icons

This March 11-13, 2024, the International Conference on the Documentation of Ecclesiastical Cultural Heritage took place in Sofia at the New Conference Hall, St Kliment of Ohrid University of Sofia. Experts and scholars convened to explore and discuss the documentation, digitization, and preservation of ecclesiastical cultural heritage. The conference commenced with addresses from distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Sofia, Mr. Vasil Terziev, the Rector of Sofia University, Georgi Valchev, the Deputy Rector of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Efstratios Stylianidis, the Board member of KMKD Eva ลžarlak, and other esteemed academics and members of KMKD (Association for the Protection of Cultural Heritage).

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

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.

The Modigliani Affaire

The death of Amedeo Modigliani and of his devoted partner Jeanne Hebuterne starts one of the most emblematic stories of the Art Market, which will lead the works of the unfortunate Tuscan artist to be subject of an โ€œexceptional enterprise of economic revaluationโ€.

The acme of the speculative operation has been reached with the auction award for 170,405,000 US dollars of the “Red Nude”, which previously belonged to Gualino Collection and to Feroldi Collection and then in 1950 was acquired by the art collector Gianni Mattioli thanks to the interest of his cousin, Fernanda Wittgens, the then Director of the Pinacoteca di Brera.

The valorization of Modigliani’s Work thus began in the โ€˜50s on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean: in Europe activities revolved around โ€œIl Milione Galleryโ€ in Milan and in Americaย around Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The Bones of the Earth

Stone is demanding in its application to art and architecture, requiring great effort and discipline to procure, move, and fashion. It is a subtractive process, where any mistake can prove fatal to the intended product, requiring meticulous care and attention to detail. The inherent properties of stone are that it is insulative, with generally low heat conductivity, and durable, with high compressive strength. As with all things in life, while it retains varying degrees of vulnerability to weathering and deterioration, stone is generally considered to be one of the most resistant materials in existence. These properties lend themselves to a compelling philosophical argument, that those who wish to live a life or build a world of enduring strength and beauty, should not only employ the use of stone in their craft, but model themselves after it as well.

Exclusive Interview with a Multi-Artist Annamaria Johansson – Part 2

Annamaria Johansson has always been a painter at heart, with a particular focus on capturing the essence of people and portraits in her artwork. With a loyal client base spanning the globe, she offers unique insights into her artistic journey and the strategies behind her successful art business as a painter. Throughout this two-part series, we delve into her ideas, philosophies, concepts, and approaches that shape her distinctive artistic vision.