Top 5 Best-Performing American Artists of 2022Meet the 5 Most Valued NFT Artists in the WorldVESTIGES OF THE FUTURE: Photography of Jean-Marc Yersin1904 NAPIER SAMSON L48: The First Car to Break 100MPH in America Goes to Auction
Jodi the Nanotyrannus Sells for US$47.3 Million at Sotheby’sQianlong Emperor’s Jewel-Encrusted Gold Ewer Sells for US$7.11 Million at Christie’sHockney’s €282,200 Print Leads Warhol and Banksy in €1.06 Million Bonhams SaleMV Agusta Sells for $1.3 Million, Setting an Italian Motorcycle Auction RecordEnigma Machine Sells for £203,600 at Bonhams: Inside the 1941 Cipher DeviceUzo Egonu’s Will Knowledge Safeguard Freedom I Sets Auction Record at £198,900Yusuf Grillo’s One Man Band Sets Artist Auction Record at £461,300Ben Enwonwu’s Anyanwu Sells for £602,100, Setting a Sculpture Record at BonhamsRare Gandhi Portrait Achieves £152,800, Tripling Its EstimateBanksy’s British Cool Mickey Snake Triumphs at Bonhams, Selling for £330,600Whistler’s First Portrait Commission Sells for Five Times Estimate, Fetching $495,000Bridget Riley Stuns Art World as Myrrh Soars to $2.36M at BonhamsReception in the Harem: Discovered Masterpiece by John Frederick Lewis Shatters Expectations, Selling for Almost $1.5 MillionRare Qianlong 'Dragon' Vase Stuns at Auction, Sells for $3.7 Million—Over Six Times Its EstimateRenowned Vietnamese Artist Nguyen Gia Tri’s War Painting Fetches Over $500,000 at Bonhams

Jeremy Brown

Jeremy Brown contributes to The World Art News on art, history, auctions and collecting. Brown’s stories connect distinctive objects and artistic movements with the wider cultural circumstances that give them meaning, offering readers both historical perspective and an interest in the people behind the headlines.

Brief History of Tense US-Canada Relations Through Iconic Art

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Donald Trump’s recent suggestion that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state might sound like political theater, but it has reignited debates about the deeply intertwined histories of these neighboring nations. From the burning of the White House in 1814 to the cultural exchanges reflected in historic art, the U.S. and Canada share a relationship defined by collaboration, conflict, and mutual influence. Explore this unique bond through the lens of iconic artworks that reveal the stories, tensions, and identities shaping two nations separated by a border—but connected by history.

‘A Scout is Loyal’ and Worth $5 Million! Norman Rockwell’s Patriotic Masterpiece Set for Auction

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Detail of Norman Rockwell’s A Scout is Loyal (1940), showing a Boy Scout with an American flag, a bald eagle and portraits of Lincoln and Washington.

Norman Rockwell’s ‘A Scout is Loyal’, a stirring portrayal of American patriotism, is poised to be the highlight of Bonhams’ American Art sale on November 20. Painted in 1940 during the artist’s most significant period amidst World War II, this masterpiece embodies Rockwell’s talent for capturing the national spirit. Featuring a Boy Scout surrounded by powerful American symbols—including the flag, a bald eagle, and historic figures such as Presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington holding the Bill of Rights—the painting is valued at $3 million to $5 million. It serves as a poignant reminder of unity and resilience during times of challenge.

The King’s Cadillac: Elvis Presley’s Last Car, 1977 Seville, to Be Sold in Sealed Auction

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A piece of rock and roll history is hitting the auction block as Elvis Presley’s 1977 Cadillac Seville, one of the last cars the King of Rock and Roll ever purchased, goes up for a rare sealed-bid auction with Bonhams|Cars. This customized Cadillac, featuring a powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine and fitted with a CB radio for private communication within Graceland, reflects Presley’s larger-than-life persona and unique style. Authenticated by Graceland and still bearing his name on the title, the car offers collectors a chance to own a personal artifact from Elvis’s final years. Bidding opens on November 4, inviting fans and collectors alike to pursue this exceptional piece of cultural history.

Just Like James Dean’s! Ultra-Rare $4 Million 1956 Porsche 550RS Spyder to Hit Auction Block

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Black-and-white composite of a man's portrait above a Porsche 550 RS numbered 60 on a racetrack.

On October 6, automotive enthusiasts and collectors will turn their attention to the Bonhams|Cars Zoute Sale in Knokke-Heist, Belgium, where a true gem of racing history will be up for auction: the ex-‘ECURIE NATIONALE BELGE’ 1956 Porsche 550RS Spyder, Chassis 550-0082, just like the one that once belonged to Hollywood legend James Dean. While this iconic vehicle, with a storied past on European racing circuits, has no direct connection to the American actor who tragically lost his life in a similar model, it is still expected to fetch between €3,500,000 and €4,000,000, reaffirming its status as one of the most expensive classic sports cars in the world.

Brief History of Art in U.S. Elections: American Politics from Franklin to Trump

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Jason Heuser’s “Warshington,” showing George Washington with a machine gun and an eagle before a U.S. flag.

From the ornate lithographs of the 19th century to the viral memes of today, art has been an indispensable weapon in the battle for political power in the United States. Campaign posters, political cartoons, and modern digital graphics have all played crucial roles in swaying public opinion and crafting candidates’ images. This article explores how art has been used to influence American politics, examining its evolution from early satire to contemporary digital media, and critiquing the effectiveness of iconic political art across history.

American Antiques Smash Records at Christie’s Totaling $9.3M – Joshua Johnson’s Art Sets World Record

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Portrait of George Washington by Rembrandt Peale.

Christie’s annual auction of Important Americana in New York has exceeded all expectations, totaling an impressive $9,294,784. This figure marks a significant milestone, more than doubling last year’s total, and surpassing the low estimate by a striking 122%. With 80% of lots sold, the auction showcased the robust demand for Americana collectibles. Notably, over 25% of buyers and bidders were new to the category at Christie’s, indicating a growing interest in this niche market.

Brief History of American Revolutionary Art Through Its Most Iconic Masterpieces

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Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze.

In the midst of the American Revolution, a fervor for independence and a newfound sense of national identity inspired a wave of creativity that would forever shape the artistic landscape of the United States. From stirring political cartoons to iconic portraits of revolutionary leaders, American artists of the 18th century played a crucial role in capturing the spirit of the times. Today, their work stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to reflect and influence the course of history.

Brief History of Samurai Art: A Thousand-Year Odyssey of Discipline, Honor, and Inspiration

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Miyamoto Musashi slaying a monster in a brightly colored Japanese print.

In the vast tapestry of human history, certain threads stand out, vibrant and enduring. Among these, the Samurai warriors of ancient Japan wield a unique allure, their legacy immortalized not just in battles fought but also in the exquisite realm of art. Their story, spanning centuries, intertwines with the essence of a nation, forging a cultural heritage that resonates across time and borders.In the vast tapestry of human history, certain threads stand out, vibrant and enduring. Among these, the Samurai warriors of ancient Japan wield a unique allure, their legacy immortalized not just in battles fought but also in the exquisite realm of art. Their story, spanning centuries, intertwines with the essence of a nation, forging a cultural heritage that resonates across time and borders. As we traverse the annals of time, the art of the Samurai stands as a testament to the enduring power of the pursuit of perfection—a legacy that transcends the boundaries of eras and continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the profound depths of human potential. Yet, their impact stretches far beyond the realms of martial prowess. It is in the delicate brush strokes of calligraphy, the grace of the tea ceremony, and the harmony of ikebana where their spirit finds expression, each art form bearing the imprints of their ancient wisdom.