Tag: United Kingdom

Stunning Discovery: Van Dyckโ€™s Only Surviving Landscape Found and Sold for Over $4 Million

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Hidden for centuries and only recently unveiled, a secret masterpiece by Sir Anthony van Dyck has taken the art world by storm. On the reverse of his grand depiction of an Andalusian Horse lies the only surviving landscape in oil ever painted by the legendary Baroque artist. This serene study of a tree-covered slope and a dog drinking at a lake was discovered during restoration, concealed beneath a later relining canvas. The revelation has been hailed as a transformative moment for understanding van Dyckโ€™s early career and his passion for nature. This dual-sided treasure sold at Christieโ€™s for over $4 million, far exceeding expectations and captivating collectors and scholars alike. The discovery sheds new light on van Dyckโ€™s genius, linking the landscape to other key works and proving that his talent extended far beyond portraiture. Explore the remarkable story behind this once-in-a-lifetime find and its journey to the auction block.

Two Portraits by Johann Zoffany Triple Their Estimate, Fetching Over $1.2 Million at Bonhams Auction

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Two captivating portraits by the renowned 18th-century artist Johann Zoffany shattered expectations at a recent London auction, selling for over $1.2 millionโ€”more than three times their estimated value. Depicting a flower girl and a watercress girl in stunning detail, these companion pieces had remained hidden in a private family collection for over a century. With a rich history tied to Zoffanyโ€™s rise as a court favorite and celebrated portraitist, these works dazzled bidders and art enthusiasts alike. Discover the story behind their remarkable journey and the artist who brought them to life.

Francesco Hayezโ€™s ‘Bathsheba’ Painting Sets Record with $1.8 Million Sale at Christieโ€™s

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A masterpiece by the celebrated 19th-century Italian painter Francesco Hayez has shattered expectations at Christieโ€™s Old Masters Evening Sale in London, setting a new world auction record for the artist. Bathsheba, an evocative oil painting dating back to 1827, sold for an astonishing $1,893,348, nearly doubling its pre-sale estimate! Bathsheba is hailed not only for its technical brilliance but also for its storied provenance. The painting was first acquired directly from Hayez by King William I of Wรผrttemberg at Milanโ€™s Brera Academy. According to Hayezโ€™s memoirs, the king, captivated by the paintingโ€™s beauty and mastery, paid the artistโ€™s full asking price on the spot.

Filthy Fox Auction Club Vol. III: Breaking Barriers for Emerging Artists

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The Filthy Fox Auction Club (FFAC) returned with its third edition at The Old Church in Stoke Newington, delivering an electrifying celebration of art and innovation. Featuring 33 works from 13 emerging artists trained at top institutions like Slade, Camberwell, and City & Guilds, the event achieved a remarkable 90% sales rate and drew a packed house of 200 attendees. By blending a live-streamed auction with in-person energy, FFAC connected creators with collectors in a groundbreaking format that champions accessibility, fair pricing, and community in the art world.

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.

Jessica Dismorrโ€™s Self-Portrait Sets New Auction World Record at Bonhams

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Jessica Dismorr, a pioneering figure in British modern art, has achieved a new auction world record at Bonhams’ recent Blazing a Trail: Modern British Women auction. The sale, which ran online from September 9 to 18, showcased the largest known private collection of works by Dismorr, with the centerpiece, Woman Seated (Self-Portrait), selling for ยฃ57,600 (approximately $73,000). The final price far surpassed its pre-sale estimate of ยฃ4,000โ€“6,000 (approximately $5,000โ€“$7,600), cementing Dismorr’s position as a significant figure in 20th-century art.

Ultra-Rare Pre-Revolution 1652 Massachusetts Silver Threepence Coin Shatters World Records with $2.5 Million Sale

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In an unprecedented moment for numismatic history, a rare 1652 Massachusetts silver threepence, about the size of a modern nickel, sold for an astonishing $2.52 million in an auction conducted by Stackโ€™s Bowers Galleries. This sale marked a new world record for any coin struck in the American colonies before the American Revolution, surpassing the previous high of $646,250 by nearly $2 million. Additionally, this threepence set a new benchmark for any non-gold coin produced prior to the founding of the U.S. Mint.

Islamic Sarghitmish Lamp Sets World Record as Most Expensive Glass Artifact, Selling for $6.5 Million at Bonhams

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In a landmark moment for art history, a 14th-century Sarghitmish mosque lamp from Egypt has shattered records, fetching an extraordinary ยฃ5,130,400 ($6.56 million) at Bonhamsโ€™ Islamic and Indian Art Sale in London on November 12, 2024. The sale attracted intense competition both in the room and via phone bidders, solidifying the lamp’s status as the most expensive glass object ever sold at auction. Initially estimated at ยฃ600,000-1,000,000 ($785,000-1,300,000), the lamp’s final price far exceeded expectations.

Behind the Lens: Exclusive Interview with New York Photographer Evelyn Freja | Part 2

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“I recently had a photoshoot of two famous actors in their hotel room, promoting a movie that recently came out. I was supposed to have 30 minutes with them, but they were incredibly rude to my photo assistant and me and ended up leaving after just 3 minutes. I had only managed to get a handful of photos and ended up crying in the hotel bathroom while my assistant helped pack up.” In Part 2 of our exclusive interview with New York photographer Evelyn Freja, we delve deeper into her journey, exploring the experiences and philosophies that shape her artistic vision. Evelyn opens up about the challenges of working in a highly competitive industry, her approach to capturing genuine moments, and the surprising lessons sheโ€™s learned along the way.

Rory Gallagherโ€™s Legendary 1961 Fender Stratocaster Sells for Over $1.15 Million, Returns to Ireland

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The collection of famed Irish musician Rory Gallagher reached an extraordinary milestone at Bonhams New Bond Street auction house this October, where every item offered was sold. Leading the sale was Gallagherโ€™s legendary 1961 Fender Stratocaster, which fetched a remarkable ยฃ889,400 ($1,156,793). The guitar, which Gallagher famously purchased for ยฃ100 on credit from Crowleyโ€™s Music Store in Cork in 1963, has become an icon in rock history for its worn look and unmistakable sound.