The Bugatti Type 35, produced at Bugatti’s Molsheim factory between 1924 and 1930, is renowned for its innovative design and racing prowess. The car’s distinctive arch-shaped radiator and tapered ‘Bordino tail,’ possibly influenced by the Fiat 804 driven by Pietro Bordino, are emblematic features. The Type 35 was also pioneering in its use of cast alloy wheels, a first in automotive history.
A pair of rare Georges Jouve caryatides, circa 1946, originating from LโInstitut Harriet Hubbard Ayer et Alexandre de Paris on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honorรฉ, sold for ยฃ127,400 ($162,000) at Bonhams Design and Contemporary Ceramics Sale held online this April. The final price far exceeded the pre-sale estimate of ยฃ50,000-70,000 ($63,000-89,000). Jouve’s contributions to the field of ceramics were significant, and he played a key role in the post-war resurgence of interest in ceramic art. His works are celebrated for their elegance, craftsmanship, and the innovative use of materials and techniques. Today, Georges Jouve is considered one of the leading figures in 20th-century ceramics, and his pieces are highly sought after by collectors and museums worldwide.
Eroticon, the top-selling lot at the recent Bonhams Greek Sale, exemplifies Moralis’ mastery of form and composition. The artwork’s sale at โฌ559,200 underscores the enduring appeal and value of his work in the art market. As a testament to his legacy, Moralis’ contributions to modern Greek art continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Imagine for a moment, that you are a miner in Siberia at the end of the nineteenth century, slogging with your colleagues through the moss-laden, muck-infused waters of the mire in search of gold, only to stumble upon something far more rare. This is precisely what occurred in 1890, within the Sverdlovsk region of Russiaโs Ural Mountains, when a team of laborers who were busy excavating a peat bog inadvertently discovered a strange and ornate wooden figure featuring an eerie human face. Resting at an approximate depth of four meters beneath the surface of the acidic, oxygen-low, and therefore anti-bacterial conditions of the bog that had preserved it, the mysterious object that would come to be known as the โShigir Idolโ (named after the Shigir bog it was found within) was discovered in a series of 10 fragments.
A pivotal document in football history, the napkin on which the first promise of a contract was written to secure 13-year-old Lionel Messi for FC Barcelona, sold for ยฃ762,000 ($964,000) at Bonhams in an online auction that was held this May 17, 2024. The auction began with a starting price of ยฃ300,000 ($380,000). This napkin significantly impacted both the club and Messi, who went on to become one of the greatest footballers of all time. The original napkin, written in blue ink, was offered by Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli.
Welcome to the third part of our exclusive interview with Michael Gregorjev Murn, a renowned contemporary artist from Slovenia. Known for his ability to balance commercial success with creative integrity, Michael shares insights into his unique approach to the art business. He discusses the dynamics of artwork sales, the significance of art fairs like ART Expo Ljubljana and ART Expo Trieste, as well as his upcoming solo exhibition at the prestigious Miart Gallery in London. From navigating client expectations to leveraging social media, Michael’s experiences offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolving art market and the strategies he employs to stay at the forefront. Join us as we delve deeper into the world of this influential artist, exploring the intersection of artistic vision and entrepreneurial acumen.
In a thrilling auction event, a remarkable bronze sculpture by Rembrandt Bugatti has set a new world record, fetching an impressive โฌ3,678,400 at Bonhamsโ Impressionist and Modern Sale on June 5, 2024. The 69-lot auction, which amassed a total of โฌ5,207,738, witnessed fierce bidding for this iconic piece, culminating in enthusiastic applause when the hammer finally fell.
In the captivating tale of Amedeo Modigliani’s artistic journey, his female nudes emerge as iconic symbols of both aesthetic brilliance and commercial success. From the early encounters that marked his life and art to the collaborative efforts with his life partner Jeanne Hรฉbuterne, Modigliani’s work evolved into masterpieces highly sought after by collectors and museums worldwide. The recognition of his unique style propelled his paintings to unprecedented heights in the art market, with hammer prices skyrocketing from the 1980s onwards. The story unfolds with dramatic price increases, culminating in staggering records set in the 21st century. Modigliani’s female nudes stand not only as timeless works of art but also as symbols of the enduring allure and value of artistic genius.
Welcome to Part 2 of our exclusive interview with Michael Gregorjev Murn, a renowned Slovenian contemporary artist celebrated for his innovative approach and diverse use of mediums. In this continuation, Murn delves deeper into the distinctive elements that define his artistry, sharing insights into his creative process, his experiences with unconventional materials, and his perspectives on the art world. Join us as we explore the themes and inspirations behind Murn’s vibrant and thought-provoking works, and gain a closer look at the unique practices that make his art truly exceptional.
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.
