“Canova is widely recognised as one of the greatest sculptors of his - or any - era. The Bust of Peace combines a crucial moment in our history with beauty and elegance, pointing to a more peaceful future ahead. Therefore it is essential that we do our best to save this superb item for the benefit of the nation.”
Michael Ellis, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism on the UK government’s decision to issue an export bar on a previously lost Antonio Canova bust that sold at auction earlier this summer.
“Excavate and export to your heart’s content.”
Christie’s cataloguing of an Assyrian relief, which sold for a record price in New York this week, included details of how it was brought to the United States. Sir Austen Henry Layard was reportedly given free reign by the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Sultan in 1859 using these words. However, the Iraqi Ministry of Culture has called for the panel’s repatriation.
“[I am] “cautiously optimistic about our prospects for November in New York and Geneva due to the strength, superb selection, attractive pricing, and freshness of our works.”
Sotheby’s CEO Tad Smith on the auction house’s third-quarter results.
“[It] provides a fascinating insight into Schumann’s working methods, and the creative decisions he took in completing the version of Fantasiestücke we are familiar with today.”
Bonhams’ books and manuscripts specialist Simon Roberts on the discovery of a handwritten draft by Robert Schumann for his 1837 Fantasiestücke Opus 12. It goes under the hammer at the auction house this month.
“My immediate response is ‘too little, too late’ - business rates and the greediness of landlords has already put paid to the original St James’s art dealer model where passing trade pays for the gallery expenses.”
Dealer Jamie Rountree of Rountree Tryon on news that the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond announced a cut by a third for many small businesses this week.
