Tag: Old Masters

Obscure Artist Stuns Auctioneers: Leonardo Guzzardiโ€™s Portrait of Lord Nelson Sells 15 Times Estimate

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In a stunning turn of events, a rare portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson by the little-known Italian artist Leonardo Guzzardi sold for ยฃ94,380 ($120,000) at Bonhamsโ€™ Old Master Paintings auction in London, shattering its modest pre-sale estimate of ยฃ6,000โ€“ยฃ8,000 ($7600โ€“$10,200). The 1799 full-length depiction of Nelson in naval dress, set against a dramatic maritime backdrop, captivated bidders and underscored a growing appetite for rediscovered works by overlooked artists. Guzzardi, a relatively obscure figure believed to have worked for the Neapolitan Court, has gained renewed attention for his raw, realistic portrayals of the famed British naval hero, marking this sale as both a market surprise and a testament to the timeless allure of historical portraiture.

San Marino Exhibition: Masterpieces of Hidden Heritage from Private Collections

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Hidden behind closed doors for centuries, these masterpieces have never stood before the public eyeโ€”until now. Masterpieces of Hidden Heritage โ€“ Works of Art from Private Collections invites visitors on an unprecedented journey through time, unveiling treasures from private collections that chart the evolution of art across Europeโ€™s most iconic regions. From the delicate brushstrokes of Vittore Bellinianoโ€™s Deposition at the Sepulchre to the sculptural genius of Donatelloโ€™s Madonna and Child, and from the haunting realism of Giuseppe Riberaโ€™s Saint Jerome to the modernist purity of Giorgio Morandiโ€™s Still Life, each piece whispers stories of its origin, its journey, and its enduring legacy. This exhibition, set against the historic backdrop of San Marinoโ€”the oldest republic in the worldโ€”reveals not only extraordinary works of art but also the cultural heartbeat of the states that shaped them.

Where is Salvator Mundi? World’s Most Expensive Painting Set to Become Saudi Arabiaโ€™s Crown Jewel in Billion-Dollar Museum Gamble

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leonardo salvator mundi

Recent reports suggest that Leonardo da Vinci’s elusive ‘Salvator Mundi’ painting may soon re-emerge as the centerpiece of a new museum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The painting’s purchase by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, widely known as MBS, was initially shrouded in secrecy, with his identity as the buyer only revealed through subsequent media reports. Since then, rumors have swirled about the painting’s location, with some speculating that it was being housed on MBS’s luxury yacht, the “Serene.”

Amref Honors Artist Kehinde Wiley with The Rees Visionary Award at ArtBall 2024

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Celebrated African-American artist Kehinde Wiley is set to be honored with the prestigious Rees Visionary Award at this year’s ArtBall 2024, hosted by Amref Health Africa (Amref), the leading healthcare organization on the African continent. Known for his groundbreaking portraits that reimagine people of color in the classical style of Old Master paintings, Wiley has captured global attention for his iconic works, including the portrait of former U.S. President Barack Obama displayed at the National Portrait Gallery.

Important Vasily Polenov Masterpiece Sells for $1.7 Million at Bonhams, Setting a World Record

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In a remarkable event at Bonhams 19th century and British Impressionist Art Sale today, an exquisite oil on canvas by Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov (1844-1927) stole the spotlight, fetching an astonishing ยฃ1,379,000 ($1,760,000). The painting, titled ‘And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept’, is a part of Polenov’s renowned series, ‘The Life of Christ’. Initially estimated to sell for ยฃ400,000-600,000, the final price far exceeded expectations, marking a significant moment in the art world.

Bonhams Unveils Important Vasily Polenov Masterpiece at their 19th Century Impressionist Art Auction in London

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A rare oil painting by the Russian artist Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov (1844-1927), part of a series titled ‘The Life of Christ,’ will take center stage at Bonhams’ upcoming 19th-century and British Impressionist Art Sale on March 20 at New Bond Street in London. Entitled ‘And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept,’ the artwork is expected to fetch between ยฃ400,000 and ยฃ600,000. Another painting from the same series, ‘There were also women looking from afar off,’ achieved a price of over ยฃ1.5 million at Bonhams last year.

ART WAR: Sotheby’s Emerges Victorious in Russian Billionaire’s Battle Over Alleged Fraud

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In a riveting conclusion to a three-week trial, a federal jury ruled in favor of Sotheby’s on Tuesday, dispelling the accusations of Russian billionaire oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev, who claimed the prestigious auction house defrauded him of tens of millions of dollars in art sales. The drama unfolded as Rybolovlev accused Sotheby’s of conspiring with Swiss art dealer Yves Bouvier to inflate prices for four significant works, including the famed “Salvator Mundi” attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.

Rediscovered Renaissance: Parmigianino’s Hidden Drawing Unveiled in Bologna

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Amid the gathering of esteemed institutions and dignitaries, a significant revelation took center stage: an unpublished drawing, measuring 18.9 cm by 17.7 cm, depicting a holy family. This masterpiece, hailing from the esteemed collection of Emile Calando, was presented by a prominent Bolognese company. Notably, this drawing had once shared a space with works by titans like Michelangelo and Raphael and was now speculated to be a rare gem from Parmigianino’s early Roman period, reflecting clear Mannerist undertones.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Ideal Horse has been Found!

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Leonardo da Vinci, widely regarded as the preeminent Master of All Time, stands as the most extensively studied artist globally. This polymathic genius continues to captivate the imagination, as exemplified by the suspenseful thriller “The Da Vinci Code,” a work of fiction positing that Leonardo embedded intricate clues within his creations. This fascination stems from his embodiment of the universalist spirit of the Renaissance. Among his most iconic drawings, “The Vitruvian Man” has long been a subject of discourse, as scholars endeavor to unveil the concealed secrets behind its depiction of ideal proportions.

Groundbreaking study on Leonardo da Vinci’s red chalk drawing reveals the face of Federico da Montefeltro

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The International Conference, Leonardo The Immortal Light, held at Palazzo Li Madou in Ancona, unveiled a groundbreaking study on Leonardo da Vinci’s red chalk drawing, revealing that it depicted the features of Federico da Montefeltro, the Duke of Urbino. The event, now in its 30th edition, explored Leonardo’s genius through scientific research, philosophy, and art, with renowned experts presenting their findings. The conference also highlighted the role of Neoplatonism during the Renaissance, the symbolism employed by Federico at his court, and the anatomical details of the drawing. The event culminated in the awarding of the prestigious Leonardo International Award to the Marche Region for its commitment to culture, tourism, and sustainability. The discoveries made during the conference underscored the profound connection between the Marches and Leonardo’s works, emphasizing the need for a new humanism that unites spirituality and intellectual achievements. The event serves as a catalyst for cultural rebirth, inspiring further research and appreciation of Leonardo’s legacy, while envisioning a future where art, science, and philosophy intertwine to shape a harmonious society.