International

About 80% of the global art market by value takes place outside the UK. The largest art market in the world is the US with China in third place (after the UK) followed by France, Germany and Switzerland.

Many more nations have a rich art and antiques heritage with active auction, dealer, fair, gallery and museum sectors even if their market size by value is smaller.

Read the top stories and latest art and antiques news from all these countries.

Leonardo

Leonardo drawing estimated at €15m to appear at French auction next year

13 December 2016

A newly-discovered drawing that has been attributed to Leonardo da Vinci will be offered by Paris auctioneers Tajan next year, estimated at €15m (£9.62m).

Christie's pop up

Christie’s France turns hand to retail with Christmas pop-up shop

12 December 2016

If a Chanel snow globe, a Fabergé bracelet or a blue table by Yves Klein are on the list for Father Christmas this year then head to Christie’s Paris showroom this weekend.

malling hansen writing ball 2271IE02 12-12-16.jpg

First commercially produced typewriter the Malling-Hansen Writing Ball sells at Cologne auction

12 December 2016

As you peruse this story on your computer, smartphone or tablet, take a look at the keyboard on said devices and spare a thought for the Rev Rasmus Malling-Hansen (1835-90).

Tate Modern

Dealers and fairs trial new ‘.art’ domain

12 December 2016

A group of art and antiques dealers, fairs and museums have become the first to use the new internet domain name of ‘.art’.

Gorvy

Contemporary art dealmaker Brett Gorvy departs Christie’s after 23 years

07 December 2016

Christie’s contemporary art chief Brett Gorvy is leaving the firm to become an art advisor.

Judge issues ruling in California ivory ban

07 December 2016

The Los Angeles Superior Court has upheld California’s uncompromising ban on the sale of most ivory objects.

Canda Vajrapani figure at Bonhams

Bonhams sets record for Tibetan sculpture after nine minutes of bidding

07 December 2016

An imposing brass alloy figure of Canda Vajrapani set an auction record for a Tibetan sculpture when it was knocked down at HK$42.5m (£4.34m) at Bonhams Hong Kong.

London dealer sues artist’s foundation in New York

06 December 2016

London’s Mayor Gallery has filed a complaint in New York state court claiming the Agnes Martin foundation acted wrongly when rejecting works submitted for authentication.

Christie's King Street

Christie’s reaches 250-year milestone

05 December 2016

Christie’s is officially turning 250 years old today.

Orion scientist James Martin

Sotheby’s buys scientific research firm Orion Analytical in fight against fakes

05 December 2016

Sotheby’s has bought scientific research specialist Orion Analytical to "help to make the art market a safer place".

Louis de Bayser

President of new Paris fair Louis de Bayser says event will offer fine art across a wider field

05 December 2016

The organisers of Fine Arts Paris, the new fair to be staged in the French capital in November 2017, have revealed more details about the concept.

EU Parliament

Fears over new import licence system as EU targets trade on illicit art

02 December 2016

Leading trade bodies are voicing concerns that a revised EU consultation into the illicit trafficking of antiquities could lead to a “burdensome” new import licence system.

Paul Verlaine revolver

Paul Verlaine’s revolver takes €360,000 at Christie’s in Paris

01 December 2016

One of the most famous firearms in French literary history has sold for €360,000 (£305,605) at Christie’s in Paris.

Auctioneers gavel

Judge hears challenge to California ivory law

01 December 2016

A Superior Court judge in Los Angeles has heard the legal arguments that challenge California’s uncompromising ban on the sale of practically all ivory objects.

TEFAF

TEFAF Maastricht exhibitor list reveals 18 new exhibitors and some notable departures

30 November 2016

TEFAF have revealed the list of 270 exhibitors standing at the next Maastricht fair in March.

The IS silver porringer

Rare Irish silver porringer sold for five times estimate at Sworders’ auction

30 November 2016

A rare and recently rediscovered Irish Commonwealth/Charles II silver porringer sold today for £25,000 – five times its estimate – at Sworders’ auction in Essex.

Chagall Dorotheum

Marc Chagall still life helps Dorotheum to their highest Modern art sale total

28 November 2016

A still life by Marc Chagall led Dorotheum in a record-breaking auction last week when the painting achieved a premium inclusive €1.02m (£872,269).

Eiffel Tower staircase at auction

Piece of Eiffel Tower staircase sells for over €500,000 at Paris auction

26 November 2016

Like the Statue of Liberty or Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower is symbolic of the skyline of one of the world’s great cities. The ultimate Parisian souvenir, sold in model form to tourists round the world, what would you give to have a piece of the real thing to take home?

Anne Frank poem

Rare Anne Frank poem sells at auction

25 November 2016

A handwritten poem by Anne Frank has sold at auction in the Netherlands at €140,000 (£119,000).

Mathias Ary Jan

French dealers’ association SNA appoints Mathias Ary Jan as new president

23 November 2016

The French national antique dealers’ association Syndicat National des Antiquaires (SNA) has appointed Mathias Ary Jan as its new president at a meeting of the board of directors yesterday.

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