Latest News Articles by Jonathan Franks
Robe became magical prop in Paris before auction in Munich
11 May 2020This late 19th century surcoat or longgua, finely embroidered in silk and gold thread with eight dragon roundels, was originally worn by a high-ranking woman at the Chinese Imperial court.
From king to maharaja: Cartier watch with a British royal connection sells in Hamburg
20 April 2020A luxurious watch with a British royal connection went under the hammer last month at Cortrie (20% buyer’s premium) in Hamburg.
Israels lights up at Wendl
20 April 2020'Portrait of a Young Girl with a Cigarette' was a high-flyer in a sale at Wendl (21% buyer’s premium) in Rudolstadt held before open auctions were prohibited by the German authorities.
German auctions: An upbeat mood in changing times
13 April 2020Despite the inevitable restrictions German auction houses are generally adapting well
Elizabethan silver makes rare appearance in Swiss auction
12 March 2020Elizabethan silver rarely appears at auctions in continental Europe, so an upcoming collection being offered for sale at Koller in Zurich is something of a special occasion.
Burning question from Charles Dickens
02 March 2020One of the many memorable scenes in Charles Dickens’ 'Bleak House' was the portrayal of the apparent spontaneous combustion of Mr Krook, leaving “the cinder of a small charred and broken log of wood sprinkled with white ashes”.
Classical micro-mosaic box appears at Zurich sale
02 March 2020This octagonal brass box, decorated with 17 micro-mosaics featuring subjects from classical antiquity, was created by Augusto Castellani of the famous firm of Roman jewellers founded by his father Fortunato.
Flemish artist takes the long view
02 March 2020It is safe to say that the canvas 'Panorama of the River Scheldt with the Silhouette of Antwerp', executed by the Flemish artist Mathieu Ignace van Bree (1773-1839) in the late 18th century, will not be the most expensive painting sold in Germany this year.
All-in-one kit for artists
02 March 2020This well-fitted maple wood artist’s box comes with numerous watercolours, mixing bowls and a small folding easel.
Only existing drawing of Benin from before 1890 in demand at auction
02 March 2020Several surprises emerged in the tribal art sale held by Cologne auction house Lempertz (24% buyer’s premium) in a recent sale held in Brussels.
Silver medal celebrating Jacobite defeat emerges at Munich auction
02 March 2020A silver medal on offer at Gorny & Mosch in Munich on March 9-10 commemorates the last pitched battle fought on the British mainland.
Raphael in beaker form
02 March 2020Raphael’s painting 'Madonna della sedia' is one of the most familiar images of Western art and has been copied by artists since its inception in 1513.
Swiss painter Marius Borgeaud offers paws for thought
02 March 2020Marius Borgeaud (1861-1924) was one of several Swiss painters working in Paris around the turn of the 20th century.
Rare version of Meissen's modern coffee service emerges Dusseldorf
02 March 2020Having been heavily criticised for its antiquated designs at the World Exhibition of 1900 in Paris, the Meissen porcelain factory commissioned avant-garde designers to produce more vibrant pieces.
Picture that moves with the times
02 March 2020Throughout the 19th century, picture clocks were popular in many German-speaking parts of Europe.
Example of silver Shekel which became symbol of revolt offered in Germany
02 March 2020Just under 600 lots in the extensive March 16-20 auction at Künker in Osnabrück come from the Samel collection. This highly important collection was put together by Josef Samel and his sister Angela Arluk, who were born in Poland, but settled in Munich after the war.
Buyers spoilt for choice as German auction houses hold their autumn Asian offerings
06 January 2020German auction houses traditionally hold their autumn sales of Asian art towards the end of the season and this year collectors and dealers were spoilt for choice.
Greek life in a German studio
23 December 2019When Theodoros Patros Vryzakis (1814-78) was only a young boy, his father was executed by the Turks during the Greek War of Independence.
Photo portraits and postcard are pick of a Berlin auction
23 December 2019A set of famous and highly collectable photographic portraits by a well known photographer and a rare postcard painted by a German Expressionist were two highlights of an auction at Berlin saleroom Grisebach (30/25% buyer’s premium) on November 27.
A tale of Hoffmann
23 December 2019In 1906, three years after he had founded the Wiener Werkstätte with Koloman Moser, the multi-talented Austrian Josef Hoffmann designed a silver casket.