Tag: History

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.

Historic First-Ever Formula 1 Lotus Climax Type 12 Chassis โ€˜353โ€™ to be Sold for Nearly Half a Million in Monaco

Racing aficionados and collectors are gearing up for an electrifying moment at The Bonhams|Cars Monaco Sale, ‘Les Grandes Marques ร  Monaco’, on May 10th, as one of the most historically significant Formula 1 cars makes its way to the auction block. The 1957-58 Lotus-Climax Type 12 chassis โ€˜353โ€™, estimated at โ‚ฌ290,000 โ€“ โ‚ฌ390,000 ($308,000 โ€“ $415,000), is poised to steal the spotlight, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of motorsport history.

Gauguin’s New Masterpiece Discovered! Never Before Seen ‘Beautes a Tahiti’

The World Art News is the first to bring you this breaking story of a newly discovered masterpiece ‘Beautes a Tahiti โ€“ Source sur la mer’ by Paul Gauguin. Marking a significant moment in art history, Giancarlo Graziani and Salvatore Prato meticulously unravel a narrative that transcends the boundaries of mere artistry. With scholarly rigor, they trace the journey of this previously unseen painting, illuminating its path from obscurity to revelation. From the vibrant streets of Paris to the tranquil shores of Tahiti, the canvas bears witness to a compelling tale of artistic brilliance and commercial intrigue. As its secrets are methodically revealed, the painting emerges as a testament to Gauguin’s enduring legacy and the timeless allure of discovery in the world of art.

Discover Da Vinciโ€™s Stars & Explore the Essence of Space in Corten Caisson’s New Book ‘HEARTH’

Embarking on a profound journey through the realms of philosophy, architecture, and the fundamental nature of energy, “Exploring the Essence of Space, Architecture, and Energy: A Philosophical Journey” delves into the depths of human understanding and perception. Through meticulous introspection, retrospection, and re-inspection, the narrative navigates through ancient wisdom and modern insights, inviting readers to ponder age-old questions with renewed curiosity and contemplation. From questioning the essence of space to unraveling the intricate relationship between form and material, the story unfolds as a captivating exploration of the interconnectedness of ideas and the boundless potential of human intellect. Join us on this intellectual odyssey as we journey through the corridors of thought and embark on a quest for deeper understanding and enlightenment.

Rare Basquiat Masterpieces Worth Over $60,000,000 Unveiled by Phillips

The spotlight shines brightly on the monumental 1982 masterpiece, estimated to fetch a staggering $40-60 million. This captivating piece, dubbed ‘Untitled (ELMAR),’ commands attention with its sheer scale and intricate symbolism. Acquired by the Pellizzi Family just two years after its creation, this eight-foot-wide marvel stands as a testament to Basquiat’s transformative journey from street art prodigy to gallery luminary. Rich in iconography and imbued with self-referential imagery, ‘Untitled (ELMAR)’ offers a profound exploration of duality within the artist’s identity, encapsulating the essence of Basquiat at the zenith of his creative prowess.

New Book ‘Hearth’ by Corten Caisson: Discover the Stars in Da Vinci’s ‘Salvator Mundi’ and Explore the Essence of Space

“Hearth” delves deep into the heart of one of the most profound questions humanity has grappled with: What is space? Through a masterful blend of philosophy and cosmology, Corten Caisson embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding this fundamental concept. From ancient thinkers to modern-day visionaries, the book traces the historical and philosophical evolution of our understanding of space, inviting readers to contemplate its essence beyond common intuitions.

$2,000,000 Hรคkkinen’s McLaren P1 Validation Prototype 3 (VP3) to be Auctioned in Monaco

Mika Hรคkkinen, the renowned two-time Formula 1 World Champion and McLaren Brand Ambassador, is set to offer a unique piece of automotive history to the wealthiest car collectors in the world. Bonhams|Cars will present Hรคkkinen’s 2013 McLaren P1 Coupรฉ Validation Prototype 3 (VP3) at The Monaco Sale ‘Les Grandes Marques ร  Monaco’. This event, scheduled for May 10, will witness the auctioning of this exceptional vehicle, making it the only Validation Prototype ever to grace such an occasion.

Legendary Admiral Lord Nelson’s Memorabilia Up for Auction

Admiral Lord Nelson’s indelible mark on British history extends far beyond his iconic victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. His naval prowess, coupled with his captivating personal life, continues to captivate the public imagination. This April, Bonhams Knightsbridge is set to showcase a remarkable collection of memorabilia celebrating Nelson’s legacy in two distinct sales: Nelson Forever! A Naval Legacy in Ceramics and Glass on April 23, followed by the Marine Sale on April 24.

The Discovery of Titanium White: Brief History of the Pigment

Journey through the historical evolution of Titanium White pigment, spanning the late 18th to early 20th centuries, as we unravel its fascinating narrative. From its humble beginnings as an artist’s tool to its pivotal role in industrial innovation, explore pivotal moments such as its integration into Impressionist masterpieces and its emergence as a non-toxic alternative to lead white. Delve into the pioneering experiments conducted in Norway and Niagara Falls, which paved the way for the mass production of Titanium White pigment. Join us as we uncover the captivating journey of Titanium White from artistic invention to industrial triumph.

Rare First Edition of Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species” Sells for Double Estimate at Bonhams Auction

A very rare first edition and authorโ€™s presentation copy of Charles Darwinโ€™s groundbreaking work, “On the Origin of Species,” fetched an astonishing ยฃ305,200 ($384,000) at Bonhams Fine Books and Manuscripts Sale held on March 20, 2024. This price surpassed its initial estimate by over double, marking a significant moment in literary auction history. The auction saw a total sale of ยฃ1,308,337 ($1,648,000), with an impressive 93% of the lots sold by volume and an astounding 99% sold by value.