Latest News Articles by Alex Capon
Bratbys on offer bought direct from the artist
20 December 2021Two works by ‘kitchen sink’ realist John Bratby (1928-92) were offered in the latest picture sale at Olympia Auctions (25% buyer’s premium).
Tantalising sketch gives glimpse ‘of a young Francis Bacon’
20 December 2021Shepeard collection includes a drawing thought to be an unrecorded portrait of the artist
Art rarity: the trade outbids private buyers
20 December 2021A sight increasingly uncommon at auction – the trade outbidding private buyers on key lots of Modern art – occurred a number of times at Sworders’ (25% buyer’s premium) latest sale in this category.
Signed by artist or patron?
13 December 2021Among a number of Indian miniatures causing a stir at London sales this autumn was a painting of a camel and its rider.
Down Under watercolour prices go way up
13 December 2021Lyon & Turnbull’s (25/20% buyer’s premium) auction to disperse the contents of Lowood House may well be best remembered for the early 16th century maiolica dish which fetched a mighty £1.04m – reported on the front page of ATG No 2513.
Company School Indian art comes of age
13 December 2021New York dealer chooses ideal time to disperse a select group of works at dedicated auction.
Getty Museum buys an ‘Elgin marble’ – but not a Greek one
09 December 2021The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angles has acquired an early first-century marble bust of the Roman general Germanicus, the adopted son of the Emperor Tiberius and father of Caligula.
Major jewellery theft from Partridge saleroom
06 December 2021Police are appealing for information following a theft of more than 400 pieces of jewellery, coins and watches from Adam Partridge Auctioneers.
Jagger portrait captures wartime fortitude
06 December 2021Ever since the auction record for David Jagger (1891-1958) was more than doubled six years ago by the striking portrait The Conscientious Objector, works by the elusive artist have been a highly valuable proposition.
Barns-Graham and her friends
06 December 2021Sale of works owned by the Scottish artist Wilhelmina Barns-Graham reflects strong connections with other St Ives artists.
Age and name unknown – the $120,000 lady
29 November 2021Portrait subject claimed as Elizabeth I will be subject to research after rediscovery in upstate New York
Demand for modern female artists remains on a high
29 November 2021The strong prices for Modern British female artists keep rolling on. Among the notable results in the regions recently was a beach scene by Dorothea Sharp (1874-1955) that was among the star performers at Parker Auctions (25% buyer’s premium).
Art Market: Taking the underground route
29 November 2021Paintings of caves including a view from a Channel Island in the spotlight at two salerooms
President portrayed in pastel
29 November 2021Portraits by James Sharples (1751-1811) appear to make less money than you might expect given the calibre of his sitters.
Private collections prominent in flagship New York sales
22 November 2021Two big-name sources – the Cox collection and the Macklowe collection – lead the way as Modern and Contemporary art market shows recovery from pandemic impact
Charles II's mistress lovingly portrayed with cupid and doves
15 November 2021An opportunity to buy a portrait of one of Charles II’s mistresses emerged at a recent Bellmans’ (22% buyer’s premium) sale in West Sussex.
Pleasing result of international relations
15 November 2021First sale put together by art world academic attracts encouraging overseas response
Harlow Rolls out a typical flourish
15 November 2021A small portrait sketch of a young boy by George Henry Harlow (1787-1819) drew lively interest at the recent Fine Art & Antiques sale in Gloucestershire.
Constable’s vision: oil sketch of Salisbury Cathedral emerges at Christie’s
11 November 2021A John Constable (1776-1837) oil sketch of Salisbury Cathedral is among the lots headlining Christie’s Old Masters evening sale on December 7.
Pick of the week: Hepworth’s gift to friend Barns-Graham
08 November 2021Connecting two of Britain’s leading 20th century female artists, a pencil drawing by Dame Barbara Hepworth (1903-75) given to Wilhelmina Barns-Graham (1912-2004) as a wedding present was the highlight of Lyon & Turnbull’s recent auction of works from the latter’s collection.