Tag: History

Rare Byzantine Treasure Resurrected: Restoring the Sacred ‘Ierosolimitiko’ Icon Unites Past and Present

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In this captivating story, a team of experts from Venis Studios undertakes an extraordinary conservation and restoration journey to revive a rare and historically significant “Ierosolimitiko” icon found within Kuruçeşme’s Saint Demetrius church in Istanbul. The remarkable artwork, depicting Jerusalem and the Holy Land, suffered severe damage and wear over time, but through meticulous scientific research and traditional techniques, the team successfully brought it back to life. The restoration process involved delicate cleaning, selective retouching, and careful lining interventions to provide stable support for the ancient canvas. The hidden beauty of the sacred icon was unveiled, capturing the imagination of viewers as they discover its profound religious and artistic significance. The successful preservation of this ancient treasure not only rescues memories from the Holy Lands but also safeguards tradition and history, bridging the gap between the past and the present.

Robert S. Duncanson (1821-1872) Exhibition at Meyer Fine Art Gallery | VIDEO

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Robert S. Duncanson (1821-1872), was a Black Hudson River School artist who painted the American South before the Civil War. Widely famous during his lifetime, this artist’s forgotten courageous journey through the antebellum South has never been exhibited or researched until now. Duncanson brilliantly created captivating landscape paintings that come alive to the viewer, by focusing on the minute details of nature and of the stories he wished to communicate. Robert Duncanson’s American scenes of the South often included Underground Railroad imagery and the mountain ridge lines that could be followed as pathways to the North. Many of his paintings were highly landmark driven with details that make these vistas identifiable today. Is it possible that Duncanson painted these historical landmarks to lead the enslaved people of America to freedom? Art historian Michael Meyer believes it is possible.

‘The Fabric of Bell’ an Art Collection by npz studio+ and Sebastien Courty at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ Honors its Profound and Special History

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Paola Zamudio of npz studio+ wanted to elevate the arts to new heights in celebration of the iconic Bell Works to honor the building’s rich history of innovation, so as the Lead Designer and Creative Director of Bell Works, she brought on friend and New York-based artist, Sebastien Courty for an unforgettable project. Amazed by the building’s grandeur and stylistic architecture, they were soon commissioned thereafter by Ralph Zucker, in honor of Jozef and Jonathan Straus, to create The Fabric of Bell, a subcollection from the in-house art collection of Totem, A Wall’s Jewelry. Inspired and commemorating the historic original Bell Labs, which was previously a research facility and awarded eight Nobel prizes during its tenure, the project was an innate expression and tribute to Eero Saarinen, the architect of the lavish Bell Works building.

Salvator Mundi: a Bone of Contention – Prominent Art Restorer Speaks Out

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Salvator Mundi is a remarkable painting by Leonardo da Vinci, known for its record-breaking sale of $450 million. This renowned artwork possesses a long and intriguing history, with some experts dating its creation back to the late 1490s, while others argue it was completed after 1500. There is a theory suggesting that it may have been commissioned for King Louis XII of France and his consort, Anne of Brittany, possibly soon after the conquests of Milan and Genoa. However, it is important to note that not all historians accept this theory. By delving into the painting’s history from its inception to the present day, we can observe the impact of the art market, pricing, and the various interventions it has undergone.

Art & Drugs: An Enigmatic Journey through Tragic Tales of Famous Artists

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In the realm of art, there exists an enigmatic connection to the world of drugs—an allure that has enticed and ensnared countless renowned artists throughout history. These tragic tales, punctuated by creativity, self-destruction, and haunting masterpieces, reveal the profound impact drugs can have on artistic expression. Let us embark on a journey through the lives of famous artists, exploring their tumultuous relationships with drugs and the indelible mark it left on their art.

MEDEA Contemporary Art Exhibition curated by Demetrio Paparoni 

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The exhibition includes works by 17 artists created specifically on the theme of Medea, one of the most famous and controversial characters in Greek mythology. It reveals the extent to which the story of the sorceress, infanticide in Euripides’ narration, still affects the imagination of our times. Through the unprecedented gaze of contemporary artists from different geographical areas – from Northern Europe to China, from the Caucasus region to South-East Asia, as well as Italy – the exhibition highlights the inseparable link between Siracusa and ancient theatre. Classical tragedy is thus revived in Siracusa through contemporary artistic expressions also in the field of visual arts.

The Royal FAUST – One of the Rarest Antique Books in the World … That You Can Actually Buy

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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.

Automata & Music Exhibition featuring Geneva’s Museum of Art and History (MAH) Objet d’Art Collection

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In partnership with GemGenève, the Museum of Art and History (MAH) is organizing an off-site exhibition featuring exceptional automata, musical, and other objets d’art from its collection. With a policy of promoting art and culture that dates back to the 18th century, MAH is now one of the leading museums in the world. This May, 25 small to medium-sized works of art created at the turn of the 19th century will be exhibited by MAH in an exclusive temporary display that will be open to GemGenève visitors. The show will also feature works on loan from the International Museum of Horology at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Swiss sculptor and automaton maker François Junod, as well as GemGenève exhibitors.

JAPAN ART EXPO: Japanese Swords, Art & Culture – June 2023

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Japan Art Expo (JAE) is a unique two-day event in the heart of Europe. At once an art fair and educational conference, which will showcase the best of Japanese craftsmanship. There will be an international array of dealers from Europe and Japan specializing in various fields across Japanese Art. Dealers will be joined by scholars and specialists to bring their passion and expertise to professionals, collectors and hobbyists alike, all under one roof.

ARTEVENTO CERVIA – World’s Longest-Running Kait Festival Returns to Italy for the 43 Time!

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From 21 April to 1 May 2023, on Cervia’s Pinarella Beach (Italy), 250 designers and pilots selected from among the most significant interpreters of a millenary tradition, in constant dialogue with the environment, will join over 2000 enthusiasts for the 43rd Edition of ARTEVENTO CERVIA, the original festival dedicated to kites and the environment, which has become a cult event for both promoters of the wind art and lovers of green tourism as well as sustainable creativity. In simultaneous flight, the event will show the most complete presentation of artistic, ethnic, historical, giant, sport, acrobatic, and even combat kites! All visitors and participants will dive into the magical practice that was born over 2500 years ago.