Europe


Jean Simeon Chardin still life

Chardin still life raises bar for an Old Master in France

13 June 2024

Christie’s set a record for any Old Master sold in France when a still-life by Jean Simeon Chardin (1699-1779) made €23m (£19.4m) at an auction in Paris on June 12, selling to a European collector.

Rembrandt Bugatti bronze

Prowling panthers set Rembrandt Bugatti record in Paris

13 June 2024

An exceptional bronze by the Italian animalia sculptor Rembrandt Bugatti (1884-1916) sold for a record €3m (£2.53m) at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris.

Michelin Guide 1939

Multiple bidders compete for 1939 Michelin Guide used by D-Day forces

12 June 2024

The Ivoire Clermont-Ferrand auction house in France has organised themed auctions based around the famous Michelin Guide for 25 years with its specialist Pierre Gabriel Gonzalès.

Tefaf

Police recover more TEFAF stolen diamonds

10 June 2024

Police in the Netherlands have confirmed they have recovered two more diamonds stolen by armed robbers from The European Art Fair (TEFAF) in 2022.

Maradona Golden Ball 2643 Webpvb 10 05 24

Sale of Maradona Ballon d’Or halted over ownership dispute

06 June 2024

The trophy was set for sale on June 6 but an appeal from the Maradona family has suspended proceedings

Chen Yi robe

Chinese artist’s silk robe emerges at Paris auction

05 June 2024

The auction house Aponem is selling works from the collection amassed by the Franco-Chinese artist, pianist, painter and poet Cheng Zhifan (1924-2021) who came to France in 1951.

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Grand Duke was a huge fan of pedal power

27 May 2024

According to the engraved plaque, this Russian silver cycling trophy, offered by Antiqon (25% buyer’s premium) in Riga, Latvia, on May 18, was presented by Grand Duke Sergei Mikhailovich to the best cyclist in northern Russia and champion of the Tour of St Michaels.

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Memphis Milano made its mark

27 May 2024

The Memphis Miliano design movement was born on the evening of December 11, 1980, when architect-designer Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007) invited young creators and architects to discuss the future of Italian ‘post-modern’ design.

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Doctor’s atlas proved just the remedy for a changing world

27 May 2024

A world atlas produced by a Dublin-born man who is considered the first US commercial publisher made its way to the Irish capital to be sold at auction house Adam’s (25% buyer’s premium).

The Petition Crown coin

New auction high for an English silver coin

24 May 2024

An auction record for an English silver coin has been set in Zürich.

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Italian artist's detailed view of London exhibition emerges in Rome auction

20 May 2024

Although the image may be familiar from stereoscopic photographs and engravings of the period, this view of the 1862 'London International Exhibition of Industry and Art' is an oil and canvas by the Italian painter Federico Moja (1802-85).

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Merkle and his Meissen collecting mission

20 May 2024

Focus on first part of a series of porcelain sales offering businessman’s collection

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Springtime brings Asian art focus to Paris

20 May 2024

Annual specialist extravaganza held in Paris involves galleries, auction houses and museums

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Chardin still-life among highlights at French auctions this season

20 May 2024

Stand-out lots from upcoming sales including Chardin still-life, Napoleonic marshal's baton and fine art collection acquired over decades

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London’s ‘curious gardens’ inspired German botanist

20 May 2024

Published between 1750-73, Plantae selectae quarum imagines ad exemplaria naturalia Londini in hortis curiosorum (‘A selection of plants from natural specimens nurtured in London’s curious gardens’) is considered the most important botanical work ever printed in Germany.

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Flowers to soothe the pain of St Helena exile

20 May 2024

This wreath of helichrysum (immortelle or everlasting) flowers was apparently sent to Napoleon on St Helena as a token of support from two of his sympathisers in London.

Templum Casket 1 2643 Webpv 14 05 24

Damascened casket linked to Henry VIII’s metalworker comes to auction in Barcelona

14 May 2024

Iron and gold inlayed casket depicting sieges of Boulogne sur Mer is attributed to court gunsmith and armourer Diego de Çaias.

Napoleon wreath

Wreath believed to have been sent to Napoleon on Saint Helena takes five-figure sum in Spanish auction

14 May 2024

Bidders battled for a floral wreath sent by supporters of the exiled and imprisoned emperor.

London und Paris

Pick of the week: Gillray in his own time and place

13 May 2024

Remarkably, although a very successful and popular artist, no accounts of the work of the Georgian caricaturist James Gillray (1756-1815) were published in England during his lifetime.

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Clipper by ‘the Irish Alfred Wallis’ sails into Dublin to set a record

13 May 2024

A picture by the artist dubbed ‘the Irish Alfred Wallis’ soared above estimate to bring a record at Dublin saleroom Adam’s (25% buyer’s premium).

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